Associate Counsel

Overview:

The Associate Counsel supports the General Counsel in managing the company’s legal affairs, with a primary focus on litigation support, discovery, contract review, and regulatory compliance. This role requires knowledge of Texas law and a practical, business-oriented approach to assessing and managing legal risk within the electrical contracting industry.

Essential Functions:

1. Litigation & Discovery Support:

• Assists in all phases of litigation across state and federal courts, including pre-suit evaluation, discovery, and trial preparation.
• Drafts, reviews, and responds to discovery in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) and applicable federal rules.
• Coordinates document collection and production, including e-discovery processes.
• Prepares pleadings, motions, and legal memoranda.
• Tracks litigation deadlines, including those specific to Texas courts and administrative bodies.

2. Contract Review & Management:

• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, including subcontracts, master service agreements, vendor agreements, and NDAs.
• Ensures compliance with Texas-specific requirements, including:
  • Texas Prompt Payment Act
  • Texas lien laws (mechanic’s, contractor’s, and materialman’s liens)
  • Indemnity and insurance provisions under the Texas Anti-Indemnity Act
• Advises on risk allocation, payment terms, and dispute resolution provisions. 
• Supports contract lifecycle management and standardization.

3. Compliance & Risk Management:

• Assists with compliance related to: 
  • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requirements
  • Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing laws
  • OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards
  • Texas labor and employment laws, including wage and hour compliance
• Supports internal audits, investigations, and responses to regulatory inquiries.
• Helps develop and maintain company policies aligned with Texas and federal regulations.

4. Construction Law & Claims Support:

• Assists with the preparation and enforcement of mechanic’s liens and bond claims under the Texas Property Code. 
• Supports dispute resolution processes, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation. 
• Analyzes project documentation (contracts, change orders, schedules) to identify potential claims and evaluate risk exposure.
• Coordinates with project teams to support claims avoidance and promote documentation best practices.

5. General Legal Support:

• Provides legal guidance to operations, project management, HR, and finance teams on day-to-day business matters, including contract interpretation, risk mitigation, and compliance requirements.
• Manages relationships with outside counsel across Texas jurisdictions.
• Monitors developments in Texas construction and employment laws.

6. Performs other duties as assigned by General Counsel. 

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• 2-5 years of legal experience, preferably in contract law, construction law, commercial litigation, or corporate law.
• Experience with Texas civil procedure and construction-related legal issues preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Able to apply practical, business-focused legal judgement.
• Able to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of Texas construction laws, including lien rights, prompt payment requirements, and risk allocation provisions. 
• Working knowledge of state and federal court procedures, including discovery rules, litigation deadlines, and trial preparation processes.
• Understanding of OSHA, TDLR, Texas electrical licensing, and wage and hour compliance requirements.
• Understanding of insurance provisions, indemnity structures, and risk transfer mechanisms.
• Able to assess legal risk and provide clear, practical recommendations aligned with business objectives.
• Able to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
• Sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Work Environment:

• Office environment with some travel required.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.