Senior/Associate General Counsel (Construction & Federal Contracts)

About the Role

Provides legal services to Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light (the Companies), including evaluation of complex legal issues and assessment of risk across a wide range of areas such as business and corporate law, federal contracts and grants, public utility regulation, labor and employment law, environmental regulation, real property, construction law, securities, finance, compensation and benefits, legislation, litigation, intellectual property, information technology, telecommunications, privacy, and data protection law.

Develops preventative law programs, including training to assist operational managers and their staff in handling their work. Advises officers, managers, and employees on new laws, legal trends, cases, and policies pertinent to the Companies.

Responsibilities

• Provide work direction and monitor work performed by outside attorneys to ensure efficiency and high value; assist in managing outside counsel costs, including invoice reviews.
• Direct, guide, and monitor the work of Legal Department Legal Assistants.
• Participate as a legal adviser on task forces, committees, and special projects.
• Effectively communicate with senior management on legal issues and risks, including preparing and delivering presentations.
• Advocate the Companies’ positions externally.
• Assist in developing and implementing the Companies’ policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems for provision of legal services and monitoring potential areas requiring legal review.
• Handle routine matters in court or before governmental administrative agencies.
• Participate in Company emergency response activities as assigned.
• Provide additional legal services as abilities, education, and experience allow.

Requirements

• Law degree and membership in the Hawaii State Bar Association (or license to practice law in good standing in another state pending admission to the Hawaii bar).
• Thorough knowledge of commercial and business law, particularly contract law, with an emphasis on managing risks and conflicting priorities.
• General knowledge and familiarity with the legal areas listed in the job requirements; specialized knowledge in one or more areas for the Senior Associate role.

Skills

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver high-quality work.
• Strong business and legal judgment with strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Commitment to the Company’s Core Values: Safety, Aloha, Integrity, and Excellence.
• Strong customer orientation with the ability to generate internal and external client satisfaction.
• Analytical, organizational, and conceptual skills to handle multiple projects and programs.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and research legal issues and provide creative solutions.
• Flexibility in a demanding work environment and adaptability to rapidly changing priorities.
• For Senior Associate: Competency in leadership, including interpersonal skills, conflict management, delegation, and mentoring.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of legal experience for Associate General Counsel.
• Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, with at least 3 years in one or more specialized practice areas, for Senior Associate General Counsel.