Sr. Counsel - Construction - Houston, TX

Primary Purpose

Sempra Infrastructure seeks an outstanding attorney with significant expertise in construction industry (preferably, construction of large-scale energy infrastructure), for the drafting and negotiation of large-scale construction contracts for LNG, pipeline, carbon capture, and other energy related projects. The Sr. Counsel primary activity will be focus on drafting and negotiation of construction agreements (including turnkey EPC, cost-reimbursable, and other arrangements) and major equipment purchase agreements, as well as assisting project teams in contract management after award.

This position will develop, coordinate, supervise, administer and provide negotiation support for complex legal services for Sempra Infrastructure, working closely with managers from various commercial areas. The position will require good communication skills and the ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders and consultants to ensure activities are conducted in an efficient manner with the highest level of skill and attention to detail. Work seamlessly with diverse teams in the U.S. and Mexico and manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and complete assigned tasks with minimal to no supervision. This position will interface with colleagues across Sempra Infrastructure offices in the U.S. and Mexico, as required and able.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide legal support for the drafting and negotiation of construction agreements and the purchase of major equipment packages for various energy projects across the organization. Provide legal support related to all phases of development project life cycle, from the FEED stage, through bidding and contractor selection, construction contract award, contract management through project completion, and litigation support for any disputes.
• Provide legal support for the structuring, negotiation and documentation of a variety of complex and ordinary energy sector transactions for Sempra Infrastructure, including greenfield project development, project acquisitions, commercial contracts, and other business arrangements.
• Coordinate, implement and monitor legal services in connection with specific projects that are undertaken by Sempra Infrastructure and to otherwise facilitate and achieve the business units' objectives, including working closely with internal and external counsel, along with the senior managers within Sempra Infrastructure and Sempra Energy.
• Provides significant updates to law department management and/or business unit leadership to stay regularly informed regarding matters assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications

Education

• JD (Juris Doctor) J.D. or LL.M from an accredited law school Required

Experience

• 7+ years experience of demonstrated post-qualified experience in drafting and negotiating large scale construction agreements, including fixed price "EPC" arrangements. Required
• 6+ years experience in a well-established law firm or corporate legal department with an established construction transactional practice and "first chaired" the drafting and negotiation of large-scale construction contracts. Required
• 6+ years experience - "first chaired" large scare energy construction contracts in the LNG or carbon capture space, significant experience in the following fields: finance, contract management phase (including construction claim analysis, prevention and settlement), construction litigation or other dispute resolution. Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to coordinate and lead a large commercial and engineering team through all phases of the drafting and negotiation of large-scale EPC type contract negotiations.
• Excellent legal analysis, writing, and communications skills.
• Able to work with a team during the contract implementation phase to proactively identify, manage, prevent and resolve construction claims.
• Able to analyze complex business situations and develop recommendations which meet the company's legal and business needs.
• Ability to prioritize conflicting demands from multiple business clients in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail.
• Proven communication, and interpersonal skills, ability to work well independently and in a team setting.
• When necessary, be able to effectively advise and lead outside counsel.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of a complex organization; ability to build excellent working relationships within multiple working groups.
• Strong substantive legal skills (drafting and analysis), negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate and strategically partner with other lawyers and the business to achieve objectives.
• Ability to communicate business goals into contract language and provide commercially minded support to the business teams are preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Member in good standing of a U.S. State Bar with a strong preference for Texas, New York or Louisiana. Required

Note: The Company strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

Sempra Infrastructure offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.