Senior Counsel-Complex Transactions

CenterPoint Energy • Houston, TX

4d

About The Position

The Senior Counsel – Complex Transactions will handle legal matters related to the Company's most sophisticated commercial transactions, with a focus on engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") agreements, power purchase agreements ("PPAs"), capacity agreements, and other complex commercial agreements. This includes providing expertise to the Company on these agreements and drafting and negotiating them across all phases of project development and execution, conducting transactional risk assessments, and developing and implementing training for the Company. The Senior Counsel will work closely with the Company's corporate, supply chain, and operational personnel to support and facilitate business transactions while minimizing risk. Additionally, the Senior Counsel will contribute to the Company's $65.5 billion 10-year capital plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Minimum of 8 years of transactional experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel, with a primary focus on EPC transactions, construction agreements, power purchase agreements, capacity agreements, and vendor agreements.
• Admission to practice in the State of Texas.
• In-depth knowledge of EPC contracts and construction agreements.
• Experience with project implementation support and the commercial issues that arise on construction projects, such as warranty issues, liens, force majeure, and the variety of reasons for changes in scope or schedule.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in energy, including renewables, or utilities in both regulated and unregulated markets is a plus, as well as a willingness to work on pro bono matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise and thought leadership on EPC agreements, power purchase agreements, and capacity agreements.
• Conduct thorough reviews and negotiations of a wide range of commercial contracts, with a primary focus on large-scale EPC and construction agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, construction agreements, SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, and confidentiality agreements, including updating and maintaining the Company's templates.
• Provide legal guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from development and financing to construction and operation, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential legal and commercial risks in EPC and other complex arrangements and develop mitigation strategies to protect the Company's interests.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business objectives, ensure contracts align with those objectives and comply with legal requirements, and provide timely, practical legal advice.
• Assist in the resolution of contract disputes and provide legal support in litigation matters, if necessary.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and changes in relevant laws and regulations to proactively address potential legal issues.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs to internal teams on legal and compliance matters related to EPC and other complex transactions.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior