Counsel

Air Liquide•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This role plays an integral role in the day-to-day needs of Air Liquide’s North American Cluster’s legal team, as well as the Company's business associates. This position offers exposure to a broad array of legal and business matters. The candidate will provide guidance related to commercial contracts to assure legal compliance, adherence to contract guidelines, and mitigation of risk. Additionally, the candidate will work closely with the in-house team, management, business, and sales associates on diverse subject matters, including commercial issues, mitigating pre-litigation risk, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law and in good standing in a state bar of at least one US state or province or territory of Canada.
Candidates must have valid employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not open for non-immigrant visa sponsorship.
3-5 years of experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts with a law firm or in-house legal department
Proficiency in MS Office applications and G Suite
Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities within deadlines
Self-starter with ability to perform without significant direct supervision
Strong team player; excellent problem solver and business advisor
Detail-oriented individual with ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to interface and communicate with a large number of diverse internal groups, at all levels of the organization, fellow in-house counsel, external counsel, customers, and vendors
Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills

Nice To Haves

Law Firm experience preferred
Ability to travel occasionally

Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts in support of multiple business units, including product sale agreements, master service agreements, product supply agreements, equipment sale agreements, and other customer and vendor related agreements
Prepare and revise company's standard form contracts as well as acceptable alternative language
Interpret contractual provisions to analyze possible legal and business exposure
Provide counsel to business stakeholders on contractual terms and associated risks (especially in instances where agreements deviate from the company's standard positions), strategic initiatives, corporate planning, and customer and supplier relationships
Apply knowledge of company's business and industry to ensure non-standard contracts contain all necessary provisions for protection of company assets and mitigation of business and legal risk
Provide support to management and sales teams on general legal matters and in contract disputes including providing guidance on contract interpretation and breach of contract matters, as well as advice to leadership and sales teams on potential customer claims and disputes with a view to reaching commercial settlement and avoiding litigation, where advisable.
Conducting research on applicable laws and regulations regarding commercial matters
Maintain awareness of applicable legal and regulatory changes and their impact the Company
Provide training of Company personnel in contract practices and negotiation strategies
Motivate and communicate effectively with individuals at various levels both inside and outside of the Air Liquide organization
Coordinating and collaborating with other Air Liquide departments with respect to corporate governance, compliance, tax, and intellectual property matters impacting the Company
Assisting with other matters as assigned, including corporate governance, real estate transactions, marketing matters, and mergers and acquisitions