Senior (Sr.) Counsel - Transactional (4 Days/Wk Min In-Office)

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Senior Counsel – Transactional Please Note: As per current corporate policy, you will be required to be IN the office a minimum of FOUR (4) days per week @ 241 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, GA, and/or as required. (Currently, the days in the office are Monday's, Tuesday's, Wednesday's & Thursday's.) You also must be willing/able to do occasional travel. JOB SUMMARY This position is responsible for providing strategic legal support and direction for the Company on a wide variety of commercial agreements and contracts, including construction, sales, licensing, technology, procurement, and related matters. This includes partnering with the Company’s business units to develop the Company’s legal strategy related to such commercial and transactional matters. This position also is responsible for collaborating with outside counsel and employees at all levels within the Company to provide advice and guidance. The position calls for practical business judgment, collaborative partnership with business partners, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Requirements

• J.D. from an American Bar Association–accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 6+ years of relevant legal experience, including law firm experience, in commercial and transactional matters.
• Licensed to practice law in one or more states in which the company or its subsidiaries operate.
• Experience providing advice on the interplay between business and legal/regulatory considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
• Strong focus on inclusion, innovative thinking, practical solutions, and providing excellent customer service.
• Occasional travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of relevant utility statutes, rules, regulations, and guidance documents related to the business.
• Experience as in-house counsel.
• High ethical standards and behaviors.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in engaging with upper management across business units and providing training to business partners.
• Extensive analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Substantial experience drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts.
• Able to work autonomously and in a team environment as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Advise business partners on commercial and transactional matters and drive risk-informed, practical deal strategy.
• Advise business partners throughout the Energy Procurement Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including the development of solicitation documents, evaluation criteria and strategy, and bidder communications.
• Lead the structure, drafting, negotiation, interpretation, and lifecycle legal support on commercial contracts (e.g., construction, procurement, technology, sales, and licensing) across business units.
• Work with business teams on developing and maintaining contract standards, approval workflows, key clauses, and common risk positions to improve cycle time and consistency.
• Deliver timely, business-focused legal support while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, outside counsel, and key external counterparties.
• Select, direct, and manage outside counsel to ensure quality, responsiveness, and cost-effective outcomes.
• Help manage the legal department budget, including reviewing invoices and approving outside counsel spend in line with guidelines.
• Partner with legal teammates to standardize templates and processes, share knowledge, and improve contract operations through appropriate technology and automation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees