Principal Counsel

About the role

Cheniere Energy is a global leader in LNG providing flexible, reliable and affordable energy to the world while powering the transition to a lower-carbon future. We are a values-driven company that focuses on teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, nimbleness, and above all, safety for our employees, our communities, and our assets.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day legal support and advice to the Company’s commodity traders, marketers, schedulers, and others located in the Houston office
• Provide regulatory advice on all matters impacting the Company’s marketing and trading operations
• Provide related regulatory advice with respect to the Company’s financial trading activities
• Manage inquiries and data requests received from regulators (e.g., FERC, CFTC, DOE, etc.)
• Negotiate marketing/trading agreements (including NAESBs, ISDAs, EEIs, bespoke long-term agreements, asset management agreements, etc.), including related credit support documents (annexes and master netting agreements)
• Negotiate and manage interstate/intrastate transportation and storage agreements and related issues (e.g., precedent agreements, OBAs, Interconnect Agreements, capacity releases, etc.)
• Participate in other day-to-day legal and business projects as necessary

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and JD degree
• Qualified to practice law in Texas or another state in the USA
• Twelve (12) or more relevant years of experience within the commodities marketing/trading practice at either a top law firm or an in-house legal department of a major energy company with sophisticated trading operations

Skills

• Working knowledge of the commodity marketing/trading business, with a focus on the regulatory aspects
• Familiarity with intrastate and interstate pipeline regulations from an infrastructure/pipeline perspective a plus
• Awareness of the ERCOT power markets a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with various levels within the Company
• Ability to think critically, solve problems independently and exercise excellent judgment and common sense
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, while managing a diverse and demanding workload
• Strong business acumen coupled with exceptional analytical skills
• Ability to effectively work with and manage outside Senior Counsel/Counsel
• Impeccable ethics and integrity

Work Environment

Job is performed in a typical office environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is also dependent on input from others. Must occasionally lift and move up to 15 pounds. Subject to drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations. Perform offsite errands in support of departmental tasks as needed.