Legal Counsel

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 60,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

Acciona offers a competitive salary, relocation assistance where relocation is required and approved, 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental, vision, life, short and long-term disability benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and more.

The Legal Counsel is committed to supporting the Company by playing a pivotal role in managing legal aspects of the project while encompassing a broad range of general practice considerations, which may include but are not limited to prime contract administration, compliance, utilities/right-of-way (ROW), and procurement.

Location

This position is based in Lake Charles, LA.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• General Practice Considerations: Advise and take the lead in managing certain pre-defined formal legal proceedings; Provide support to Regional Counsel/JV Partners' Corporate Legal Representatives Team for other legal matters; Advise the Senior Project Management team on miscellaneous legal issues; Assist in responding to significant third-party complaints, lawsuits, or community relations issues; Advise on serious project safety incidents, especially those involving government investigations; Develop meeting protocols and reporting procedures for significant matters; Support the Communications Team with project media requests.
• Prime Contract Administration: Provide legal support during prime contract reviews and post-execution negotiations; Develop and review cost/schedule relief matrix; Offer ongoing training and support on key provisions of the prime contract; Assist the project team in developing remedy-granting flow diagrams; Draft remedy-granting notice letter templates and review significant project-related correspondence; Collaborate with Contract Management Solutions team to address cost or schedule issues; Attend regular Contract Management Solutions meetings; Support the Project Management/Commercial Team in tracking, advancing, and responding to claims; Liaise with JV Partners' Corporate Legal Representatives Team.
• Compliance: Review project compliance mitigation action plans; Advise the Senior Project Management team on compliance-related issues; Provide training on significant compliance-related topics; Participate in environmental and corporate audits as per corporate policies. Support legal elements of crisis management during critical events; Liaise with JV Partners' Corporate Legal Representatives Team.
• Utilities/Right-of-Way (ROW): Review and revise applicable owner-provided and/or other utility, railroad, and ROW agreements; Advise the Senior Project Management team during utility relocation, railroad coordination, and ROW acquisition processes; Assist in resolving utility owner and property owner disputes; Coordinate with corporate departments for risk management and insurance-related claims.
• Procurement: Draft and support negotiations of project-specific standard forms; Develop project-specific protocols for reviewing revisions to standard form agreements; Provide training to the Project Procurement Team on standard form agreements; Advise the senior project management team during procurement negotiations; Coordinate with JV Partners/JV Counsel on project-specific subcontracting efforts; Support Senior Project Management in the administration of Subcontracts, Professional Services Agreements, Purchase Orders and other key vendor agreements.
• Performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

At a minimum, the Legal Counsel must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school along with an active Louisiana State Bar membership (If barred in another U.S. state, the successful applicant will have to obtain a limited license from the Louisiana State Bar to serve as in-house counsel) and 5+ years of demonstrated legal experience in large scale heavy civil/transportation infrastructure construction, or related industries, knowledge of contract and construction law, and experience working in a joint venture environment.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills for Success

• Effectively communicate in a positive and professional manner through written and verbal communications in all interfaces with customers/public, fellow employees, vendors, etc.
• Ability to use appropriate computer programs (including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite) which includes having proficient computer skills and the ability to adapt and learn as programs and processes change.
• Ability to work as a team member and exert initiative to work independently to reach a goal.
• Ability to embrace change in the workplace while encouraging others to seek innovative approaches.
• Ability to function effectively as a team player and collaborator.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including overtime, as needed, to best serve the business operations.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ACCIONA has been given the Top Employer 2022, 2023 & 2024 certification in US, as well as the Top Employers North America 2022, 2023 & 2024 seal, which certifies the company's commitment to excellence in human resources management and those who focus on putting their people first through their exceptional HR policies. As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.