Position Summary
Under the general direction of the President of the Company, the Corporate Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to the Company and its affiliates, protecting them against legal risks, supporting Company business functions as a key business partner, and performing other tasks as needed.

This position is distinguished by management level responsibility for Company legal and risk management affairs, working with staff, executive management, and other Company employees. The nature, diversity, and scope of responsibilities related to this position require the frequent use of contractual and risk management principles, discretion, problem-solving skills, project management skills, collaboration, self-initiative, independent judgment, and willingness to play a role in the development of work processes using technology. The Corporate Counsel must effectively work with all Company functions and Company affiliates and will perform work that is often sensitive and confidential.

Specific Responsibilities

Provide general legal advice and guidance to company management
Negotiate and draft agreements with developers for large infrastructure projects from inception to full build-out including but not limited to LOIs, Developer Utility Agreements, Construction Agreements, Operation and Maintenance Agreements.
Negotiate and draft real property agreements, including, but not limited to easements, licenses, rights-of-way, and purchase and sales agreements in support of company projects and initiatives
Negotiate and draft documents related to acquisitions of water systems including LOIs, asset purchase agreements, and share purchase agreements.
Partner with procurement in developing, drafting, and negotiating commercial agreements including, but not limited to nondisclosure, consulting, professional services, master service agreements, software licenses, and goods and services agreements
Develop, maintain and refine contract management workflows
Support Company in M&A activities and assist with financing initiatives
Support corporate secretary, risk management, and information governance functions
Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation, commercial, and regulatory matters and provide advice related to such matters and claims against the company
Manage discovery and information request responses
Support the development and maintenance of and training on Company policies
Support company regulatory and compliance activities, including but not limited to general rate case applications and consumer privacy compliance initiatives
Coordinate with the company’s independent auditor as applicable
Other duties and responsibilities of a legal nature and necessary to support business objectives

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Must be a current member of the State Bar of Texas or of a state bar with reciprocity with Texas and be in good standing
Prior experience representing developer’s and/or utility companies and understanding of municipal utility district (MUD) financing, land use regulations, and regulatory compliance are strongly preferred
Experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects
Flexibility and willingness to work on a broad variety of business and legal matters
Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills
Excellent business judgment and demonstration of self-initiative
Ability to demonstrate consistency with the company’s mission, vision, and values

Required Education and Experience
J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school. At least four years of relevant legal experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel.

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In-house Lead Corporate Counsel.

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