Associate Counsel

Overview: The Associate Counsel supports the General Counsel in managing the company's legal affairs, with a primary focus on litigation support, discovery, contract review, and regulatory compliance. This role requires knowledge of Texas law and a practical, business-oriented approach to assessing and managing legal risk within the electrical contracting industry. Essential Functions: 1. Litigation & Discovery Support: Assists in all phases of litigation across state and federal courts, including pre-suit evaluation, discovery, and trial preparation. Drafts, reviews, and responds to discovery in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) and applicable federal rules. Coordinates document collection and production, including e-discovery processes. Prepares pleadings, motions, and legal memoranda. Tracks litigation deadlines, including those specific to Texas courts and administrative bodies. 2. Contract Review & Management: Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, including subcontracts, master service agreements, vendor agreements, and NDAs. Ensures compliance with Texas-specific requirements, including: Texas Prompt Payment Act Texas lien laws (mechanic's, contractor's, and materialman's liens) Indemnity and insurance provisions under the Texas Anti-Indemnity Act Advises on risk allocation, payment terms, and dispute resolution provisions. Supports contract lifecycle management and standardization. 3. Compliance & Risk Management: Assists with compliance related to: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requirements Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing laws OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards Texas labor and employment laws, including wage and hour compliance Supports internal audits, investigations, and responses to regulatory inquiries. Helps develop and maintain company policies aligned with Texas and federal regulations. 4. Construction Law & Claims Support: Assists with the preparation and enforcement of mechanic's liens and bond claims under the Texas Property Code. Supports dispute resolution processes, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Analyzes project documentation (contracts, change orders, schedules) to identify potential claims and evaluate risk exposure. Coordinates with project teams to support claims avoidance and promote documentation best practices. 5. General Legal Support: Provides legal guidance to operations, project management, HR, and finance teams on day-to-day business matters, including contract interpretation, risk mitigation, and compliance requirements. Manages relationships with outside counsel across Texas jurisdictions. Monitors developments in Texas construction and employment laws. 6. Performs other duties as assigned by General Counsel. Education and Experience: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. 2-5 years of legal experience, preferably in contract law, construction law, commercial litigation, or corporate law. Experience with Texas civil procedure and construction-related legal issues preferred. Skills/Abilities: Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear guidance for non-legal stakeholders. Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Able to apply practical, business-focused legal judgement. Able to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong understanding of Texas construction laws, including lien rights, prompt payment requirements, and risk allocation provisions. Working knowledge of state and federal court procedures, including discovery rules, litigation deadlines, and trial preparation processes. Understanding of OSHA, TDLR, Texas electrical licensing, and wage and hour compliance requirements. Understanding of insurance provisions, indemnity structures, and risk transfer mechanisms. Able to assess legal risk and provide clear, practical recommendations aligned with business objectives. Able to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and outside counsel. Sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential information. Work Environment: Office environment with some travel required. Physical Demands: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.