Job Summary

The Commercial Counsel is responsible for drafting, reviewing and negotiating the Company’s contracts and handling other transactional matters and commercial legal issues arising from the Company’s business operations. This position will work closely with the Company’s corporate and operational personnel to support and facilitate business transactions while minimizing risk. The Commercial Counsel will also occasionally manage outside counsel involving such matters.

Essential Functions

Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including but not limited to, vendor contracts, service agreements, construction agreements, licensing agreements, and confidentiality agreements, including updating and maintaining the Company’s templates.
Provide legal advice and guidance to internal teams on contractual matters, risk assessment, and business strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure contracts align with business objectives and comply with legal requirements.
Assist in the resolution of contract disputes and provide legal support in litigation matters, if necessary.
Responsible for other contract-related matters as assigned, including handling or assisting with various types of transactional matters and contractual claims; advising on legislative initiatives; preparing and delivering legal training; providing other legal services related to commercial law and general Company operations; and supporting team and department strategy, initiatives, and projects.
Must possess strong research skills and a working knowledge of commercial law, and federal, state, and local regulations, rules, and requirements related to same.
Advise and counsel internal company departments and business units on matters within area of responsibility.
Develop, coordinate, and provide training on contractual risks to the business and other functions, and collaborate with other departments to prevent, identify, investigate, and resolve such issues, and take appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
Serve as the supervising authority over outside counsel retained on matters within area of responsibility.

Education Description

Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a J.D. (doctor of jurisprudence) degree from an accredited law school.

Experience

Must be admitted to practice in the State of Texas and have at least three (3) years of transactional experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel.
Experience in energy or utilities in both regulated and unregulated markets is a plus.

We want you to know

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value drives our strategy and performance. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

What we bring to you

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

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

Similar Opportunities