Counsel - Legal Services Dept

About the role

Founded in 1978, Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. (Formosa Plastics) is a growing, vertically-integrated supplier of plastic resins and petrochemicals. With annual revenues of more than $5 billion, the company employs over 2,800 people who operate 20 production units in six business divisions – Olefins, Polyolefins, Vinyl, Specialty Polyvinyl Chloride, Chlor-Alkali, and Oil & Gas. Formosa Plastics offers a full line of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene resins, caustic soda and other petrochemicals that deliver the consistency, performance and quality that customers demand. The company markets its polypropylene and polyethylene resins under the Formolene® tradename; its suspension PVC and specialty (dispersion) PVC resins under the Formolon® tradename. It also produces and sells caustic soda, ethylene dichloride, commercial bleach and hydrochloric acid. Formosa Plastics is committed to supplying the highest quality products and services, providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees, and contributing to the quality of life in the communities where it operates. This commitment is supported by dedicated people, consistent products, environmental protection, ongoing investments in new product development, quality control systems, and safe, modern, energy‑efficient production facilities. The company is privately held and headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey, with manufacturing subsidiaries in Delaware City, Delaware; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Point Comfort, Texas.

This position exists to provide the Company with on‑demand legal counsel and legal analysis, with an emphasis on various federal and state environmental legal matters. The role will provide expert advice and guidance on state and federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, and help develop Company‑wide strategies for federal and state regulatory responses and reports, including permit compliance reporting and state level reporting requirements. Frequent interaction with TCEQ and/or EPA is expected. The position should be familiar with legal compliance surrounding air, water, and waste issues. It also assists with other legal matters affecting the company, including litigation and transaction matters, as well as day‑to‑day operations of the legal department as directed by the department manager, including assistance with legal department budget management and department personnel management as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide verbal and written legal advice to Company management and personnel to minimize risk and maximize benefit, specifically regarding federal and state environmental laws and regulations.
• Prepare and present legal advice to Company management upon request.
• Monitor relevant regulatory requirements for the Company involving air, water, and waste compliance.
• Provide frequent reports to the department manager on updates to relevant regulatory requirements impacting the Company’s operations and/or business.
• Assist in the contract approval process through review and analysis of non‑standard Company contracts presented to Texas Legal Services for review, specifically involving contracting with third‑parties engaged in aiding the Company’s environmental compliance efforts.
• Draft and edit non‑standard Company contracts as needed.
• Review and analyze lawsuits filed against the Company in Texas state or federal court, specifically involving environmental claims, including claims involving the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act.
• Assist with lawsuit resolution through the effective and efficient use of outside counsel.
• Assist with discovery coordination, document production, and depositions of Company personnel.
• Prepare litigation status reports to management upon request of the department manager.
• Assist the department manager with operation of the legal department within the approved annual budget.
• Promote cleanliness and order through implementation of the Total Housekeeping Maintenance program, emphasizing the Nothing Touch Ground and No Visual Pollution programs, and maintain the plant in like‑new condition.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school is required.

Previous related experience: Prefer a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with prior exposure to environmental law. Experience working with TCEQ and/or EPA is preferred.

Skills

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to perform risk/benefits analysis of legal issues and make recommendations.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care
• Short‑term Disability
• Long‑term Disability
• Group Term Life, Dependent and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off for a balanced life (Vacation, Sick and Personal Time)
• FlexTime Available
• Competitive salary, incentive/bonus, 401(k) plan with company match, Cash Balance, Pension Plan