Senior Counsel-Complex Transactions

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.    Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.    Our Commitment: 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.

The Senior Counsel – Complex Transactions will handle legal matters related to the Company's most sophisticated commercial transactions, with a focus on engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") agreements, power purchase agreements ("PPAs"), capacity agreements, and other complex commercial agreements. This includes providing expertise to the Company on these agreements and drafting and negotiating them across all phases of project development and execution, conducting transactional risk assessments, and developing and implementing training for the Company. The Senior Counsel will work closely with the Company's corporate, supply chain, and operational personnel to support and facilitate business transactions while minimizing risk. Additionally, the Senior Counsel will contribute to the Company's $65.5 billion 10-year capital plan.

Essential Functions

Provide expertise and thought leadership on EPC agreements, power purchase agreements, and capacity agreements.

Conduct thorough reviews and negotiations of a wide range of commercial contracts, with a primary focus on large-scale EPC and construction agreements.

Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, construction agreements, SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, and confidentiality agreements, including updating and maintaining the Company's templates.

Provide legal guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from development and financing to construction and operation, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.

Identify potential legal and commercial risks in EPC and other complex arrangements and develop mitigation strategies to protect the Company's interests.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business objectives, ensure contracts align with those objectives and comply with legal requirements, and provide timely, practical legal advice.

Assist in the resolution of contract disputes and provide legal support in litigation matters, if necessary.

Stay abreast of industry trends and changes in relevant laws and regulations to proactively address potential legal issues.

Develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs to internal teams on legal and compliance matters related to EPC and other complex transactions.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree from an accredited law school required.

Minimum of 8 years of transactional experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel, with a primary focus on EPC transactions, construction agreements, power purchase agreements, capacity agreements, and vendor agreements.

Admission to practice in the State of Texas.

In-depth knowledge of EPC contracts and construction agreements.

Experience with project implementation support and the commercial issues that arise on construction projects, such as warranty issues, liens, force majeure, and the variety of reasons for changes in scope or schedule.

Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication