Assistant General Counsel

Primary Purpose:

The Assistant General Counsel-Project Execution delivers comprehensive legal support for a diverse range of traditional midstream operations and renewable energy transition ventures. This role primarily focuses on providing legal counsel for project execution including services, procurement and construction contracting and project support, insurance and risk management, and special projects.

This role involves proactively addressing and managing the legal dimensions of a project, thereby safeguarding the interests of the client, minimizing risks, and contributing to successful project outcomes. This often involves a blend of traditional legal practice with a keen understanding of project management principles and processes.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts for goods, services, facilities, equipment, and vendor agreements, ensuring clarity on scope, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and dispute resolution.
• Support procurement activities including preparation and negotiation of vendor agreements and bid document development for construction and non-construction projects.
• Ensure contractual compliance by monitoring obligations, managing breaches, and coordinating modifications throughout project execution.
• Identify and stay informed on applicable local, state, federal laws, and industry regulations impacting projects; coordinate with internal resources as needed.
• Assist in litigation, mediation, and arbitration processes by supporting defense and prosecution of claims involving the company.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks related to contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and data privacy, including advising on appropriate insurance coverage.
• Prevent and resolve disputes by mediating conflicts among stakeholders, contractors, and clients to achieve amicable solutions.
• Collaborate with project managers, technical teams, and stakeholders to integrate legal considerations into project planning and execution.
• Advise on legal implications of project decisions and facilitate effective communication to address legal concerns promptly.
• Align legal strategies with client objectives and communicate complex legal information clearly to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Associate General Counsel and General Counsel on project status, procurement matters, dispute resolution, and communications with leadership.
• Coordinate with internal legal team members, other departments, outside counsel, and opposing parties as necessary.
• Represent the company in meetings and submittals with state and federal agencies.
• Manage and direct outside counsel related to disputes when required.
• Interact professionally and tactfully with a wide variety of individuals, demonstrating strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Maintain dependable attendance, high performance standards, and flexibility to work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Other daily, weekly, monthly, or special projects may be assigned.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited institution (top 25% of class).

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• A minimum of fifteen years’ experience in-house supporting corporate and business operations.
• Significant experience in the areas of project execution, construction and procurement.
• Experience reviewing, negotiating, and drafting procurement and construction contracts.
• A working understanding of risk management and commercial insurance programs.
• Familiarity with federal and (as applicable to the Company) state laws and regulations governing the energy transportation field.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook.
• Significant experience using on-line legal research tools, including but not limited to Practical Law, Westlaw and Lexis.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must be licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. State
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills and logical thought processes, with the ability to identify potential legal, regulatory or compliance issues.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to take initiative and responsibility for work product.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
• Ability to appreciate the effect of internal processes and company risk profile on procurement contracting.
• Demonstrate nimbleness, resourcefulness, strong organizational skills, and motivation to effectively support cutting-edge energy transition projects

Physical Demands:
All the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout the facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions:

• Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
• May be required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• Candidates will be required to clear a drug screen and complete a background check, including a credit report for certain positions after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None.