Senior/Associate General Counsel – Construction & Federal Contracts
Why This Role Matters
This is an opportunity to serve as a trusted legal and business advisor to Hawaiian Electric, supporting the construction projects, federal contracts, and complex agreements that help power Hawaii’s infrastructure and operations. As an Associate General Counsel or Senior Associate General Counsel, you’ll partner directly with business leaders and project teams to structure agreements, navigate regulatory requirements, manage risk, and solve complex legal challenges. You’ll have visibility across the organization and the opportunity to influence important projects at one of Hawaii’s most essential companies.
Your Impact
- Lead legal support for complex construction and federal contracting matters
- Advise business and project leaders on contracts, compliance, and risk
- Help structure, review, and negotiate agreements supporting major initiatives
- Translate complex legal requirements into practical business guidance
- Develop strategies that proactively manage contractual and operational risk
- At the Senior AGC level, provide greater strategic direction, mentorship, and independent leadership
Responsibilities
Construction & Federal Contracts
- Advise on construction contracts, federal contracts and grants, and related commercial agreements
- Evaluate contractual obligations and legal risks and recommend practical solutions
- Support contract development, negotiation, administration, and risk management
- Advise business teams on legal and regulatory requirements affecting projects and agreements
Advise the Business
- Serve as a trusted legal partner to officers, managers, and cross-functional teams
- Provide guidance across related areas including commercial law, real estate, environmental regulation, finance, and public utility regulation
- Communicate complex legal issues and risks clearly to senior management
- Advise teams on new laws, legal developments, and policies affecting Hawaiian Electric
Support Strategic Initiatives
- Serve as legal advisor on task forces, committees, and special projects
- Help develop company policies, procedures, and business strategies
- Develop preventative legal programs and training to help teams identify and manage risk
- Represent Hawaiian Electric’s interests with external stakeholders when appropriate
Manage Legal Matters & Outside Counsel
- Manage and provide direction to outside counsel to ensure efficient, high-value legal support
- Monitor outside counsel performance and costs
- Partner with Legal Department team members to effectively execute legal initiatives
- Handle appropriate matters before courts and governmental administrative agencies
Requirements
Associate General Counsel
- JD and admission to the Hawaii State Bar, or active good-standing membership in another state with the ability to obtain Hawaii admission
- 4+ years of legal experience
- Strong commercial and business law knowledge, particularly contract law
- Experience with construction, federal contracts and grants, or another relevant specialized area
- Strong legal judgment, analytical ability, and communication skills
- Ability to balance legal risk with practical business needs
Senior Associate General Counsel
In addition to the qualifications above:
- 7+ years of legal experience
- 3+ years of concentrated experience in one or more relevant specialized practice areas
- Broad knowledge of energy law and/or applicable construction, federal contracting, or commercial law
- Ability to independently advise senior leaders on complex matters
- Strong leadership, relationship management, and mentoring capabilities
Why Hawaiian Electric
This role offers the opportunity to bring your construction and contracting experience in-house and become a true partner to the business. You’ll work alongside leaders and project teams on complex initiatives while developing a deep understanding of Hawaiian Electric’s operations and the infrastructure that serves communities across Hawaii.
You’ll join an organization guided by its core values of Safety, Aloha, Integrity, and Excellence, with the opportunity to broaden your expertise and build a long-term in-house legal career.