Associate General Counsel

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. 

Job Summary

The Associate General Counsel – EPC will handle legal matters related to complex commercial transactions focusing on engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) transactions and assisting with the development of the Company’s EPC strategy. This includes providing expertise to the Company on sophisticated EPC agreements and drafting and negotiating such agreements. The Associate General Counsel will demonstrate a high degree of leadership and support all phases of project development and execution, conduct transactional risk assessments, and develop and implement training for the Company. This role will collaborate with the Company's corporate, supply chain, and operational teams to support business transactions while mitigating risks. Additionally, the Associate General Counsel will contribute to the Company’s $53 billion 10-year capital plan.

Essential Functions

• Provide expertise and thought leadership on EPC agreements.
• Conduct thorough reviews and negotiations of a wide range of commercial contracts, with a primary focus on large-scale EPC agreements.
• 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 arrangements and develop mitigation strategies to protect Company’s interests.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business objectives and provide timely, practical legal advice.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with company policies and risk tolerance.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and changes in relevant laws and regulations to proactively address potential legal issues.
• Develop and deliver training programs to internal teams on legal and compliance matters related to EPC. 
• Participate in the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures to enhance legal and compliance processes. 

Education Description

• Requires a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree from law school at an accredited college or university. 

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of experience as a transactional attorney, with a primary focus on EPC transactions.
• Demonstrated leadership in either a corporate legal department or law firm
• In-depth knowledge of EPC contracts.
• 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 skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across functional areas in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Experience in utilities is a plus, as well as a willingness to work on pro bono matters. 

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Licenses/Certifications, Abilities & Personal Characteristics (KSLAPS): 

• Is currently licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Texas, or if not currently licensed in Texas, is licensed and in good standing to practice law in another state or the District of Columbia and is eligible to be licensed in Texas.
• Able to demonstrate and apply excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to work accurately, paying attention to detail and following oral and/or written instructions.
• Able to demonstrate and apply superior analytical ability.
• Able to express opinions effectively and convey information in an appropriate manner.
• Able to inform others on a timely basis.
• Able to use communication skills (including active listening) and interpersonal skills to communicate clearly, effectively and persuasively.
• Able to listen effectively and clarify information as needed.
• Able to plan, create and give professional presentations.
• Able to make informed decisions, follow procedures, and comply with policies based on the knowledge of the company's work and services.
• Able to demonstrate strong client relations skills.
• Able to make decisions in a timely and effective manner.
• Able to work with confidential information, materials and files in an appropriate, professional and discrete manner.
• Able to use time effectively to meet or exceed performance standards.
• Able to adapt quickly to changing demands and to demonstrate flexibility in the face of change or uncertainty.
• Able to anticipate new situations and/or changing demands and respond proactively to enhance the division’s/business unit’s financial performance.
• Able to manage time effectively and handle multiple tasks and priorities. 
• Able to manage use of time, work independently and demonstrate initiative to accomplish assigned duties.
• Able to motivate self to accomplish projects and achieve goals with minimal supervision, including self-directed learning.
• Able to demonstrate strong personal effectiveness skills including integrity and trust, problem solving, decision-making, organizational effectiveness and results orientation.
• Able to pay attention to detail and demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Able to use a laptop or personal computer and software, including e-mail and word processing.
• Able to find common ground quickly and identify solutions for the good of all.
• Able to provide a valid state driver's license, present and maintain a good driving record, and operate company and personal vehicles safely and in compliance with applicable laws and company policies. 

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. 
 

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

Job Type: Full Time 
Posting Start Date: 09/30/2025​
Posting End Date: 10/14/2025

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.

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