Senior Counsel

About the role

The CenterPoint Energy legal department is seeking a Senior Counsel with expertise in securities law compliance and governance matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on and support for:
  • Securities laws and public company disclosure matters, including reviewing and drafting filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (e.g. Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and Section 16 filings).
  • Public company corporate governance matters, corporate governance documents, and compliance with stock exchange listing requirements
  • Support Corporate Secretary, including preparation for board, committee and shareholder meetings; drafting meeting notices, agendas and minutes; reviewing and drafting board presentations; and assisting with various other governance / board processes.
  • Support subsidiary governance management, including drafting written consents, resolutions, secretary certificates and governing documents; maintaining proper records; and forming/dissolving legal entities.
  • Aid in the review of investor materials including earnings and other financial materials, various press releases, and other public disclosures.
  • Aid in the provision to the board of strategic support, advice and analysis, as well as play a role in the company’s shareholder engagement efforts.
  • Aid in the review of contracts, as needed.
  • Support various departments, including Accounting, Treasury and Investor Relations.
  • Participate in and lead legal department initiatives.
  • Interact with, and establish the respect and confidence of, senior business leaders and members of business functions
  • Exercise strong leadership ability and conflict resolution skills
  • Keep company updated and advised on general legal issues and best practices
  • Develop standardized forms and procedures for assigned area
  • Participate in the definition and development of policies, procedures and programs, and provide continuing counsel and guidance on implications of all legal matters
• Manage a high volume of matters at any given time, work well under pressure, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments, and effectively manage deadlines
• Oversee and manage outside counsel and staff, as required

Requirements

• Requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 3 years of corporate experience at a large law firm and/or as in-house counsel.
• Must be eligible to practice in at least one state in the United States, preferably Texas.
• Significant experience with matters relating to securities law compliance, public disclosures and corporate governance
• Preferred: Experience in energy and utilities, including with electric generation, transmission and distribution and natural gas distribution, work, is a plus.
• Managing outside counsel law firms is a plus
• Demonstrated commitment to pro bono and community activities

Qualifications

• Required to learn company policies, procedures and safety rules

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Schedule

Full-time