Sr Counsel - Litigation - Houston, TX

Primary Purpose

Sempra Infrastructure seeks an outstanding litigation attorney with expertise in the energy industry, including a wide variety of pre-litigation and litigation matters. This position's scope includes assisting with the analysis of potential domestic and international disputes and the drafting and negotiating of documents with respect to such disputes, overseeing external counsel, and leading the process of creating a strategic approach to the early resolution of disputes and advising on approaches to resolving existing litigation and arbitration matters.

The successful candidate will have a deep and nuanced understanding of litigation and dispute resolution and experience in the energy industry. The position will require excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate with internal and external specialized consultants to ensure activities are conducted in an efficient manner with the highest level of skill and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will work seamlessly with diverse teams in the U.S. and Mexico and have the ability to 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, with an expectation that the candidate can independently produce final documents as well as work with others on matters. The ability to provide commercially minded support to the business teams is also strongly preferred. Candidates should exhibit 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate, implement and monitor legal services in respect to highly complex and/or sensitive dispute matters, including working closely with internal and external counsel, along with the senior managers in the business; researching and preparing legal memoranda and/or drafting documentation for court and arbitration proceedings.
• Responsible for assisting with early case assessment, case development, strategy and procedure and will serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in selected high-profile cases and will assist in directing other attorneys in their assigned cases.
• Identify potential litigation risk and counsel the Business Units to minimize exposure and provide lessons learned to help improve risk management and organizational learning.
• Provide significant updates to law department management and/or business unit leadership to stay regularly informed regarding matters assigned.
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  Provide preventive law and compliance guidance to multiple client groups. Understand the goals and sensitivities of such groups.

  
  
• The Sr. Counsel will supervise and partner with outside counsel to ensure that all aspects of the company's legal representation are of the highest quality, including the day-to-day running of matters, overall strategy, written work, and oral advocacy.
• Perform other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• 7+ years relevant legal experience for the job activities described above. Required
• 5+ Experience at a reputable law firm and/or in-house counsel. Required
• Direct experience trying cases before judge, juries and/or arbitration panels. Required
• Experience with the energy industry and local governmental law. Preferred
• Experience with discovery processes, including E-discovery. Required
• Experience with contract analysis, drafting and negotiating. Required

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the energy industry (specifically the LNG, power or natural gas industry) is desirable.
• Experience in the United States should include managing and litigating matters in both state and federal forums, arbitrations, and prelitigation disputes and resolutions, including mediations.
• Experience in Mexico should include administrative local and federal cases (preferably in the energy sector or in a highly regulated company), land disputes, amparo lawsuits.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong analytic ability.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a range of legal matters independently or with limited support.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable advice for the business unit and act as a strategic partner for the business.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply knowledge accurately to various legal situations affecting the Business Unit.

Licenses and Certifications

• Member in good standing of a U.S. State Bar with a strong preference for Texas 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.