General Counsel

About Us

K.P. Kauffman Company, Inc. is an independently owned Oil & Gas company located in Downtown Denver. Together with our subsidiaries and affiliates, we are engaged in ethical production, drilling, transportation, and well service of oil and gas in the Rocky Mountain States and several basins. We are committed to exploration and development and strive to maintain growing and prosperous operations, supported by a flexible and responsive management approach.

Summary

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Company, responsible for leading all legal function, including transactional support, regulatory compliance, litigation oversight, and corporate governance. This role partners closely with executive leadership to support strategic business objectives while managing legal risk across all operations.

Essential Functions

CORE LEADERSHIP

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the President/COO and executive leadership on all legal, regulatory, and business matters.
• Lead the Company’s legal strategy to support growth while mitigating risk.

TRANSACTIONS

• Oversee and lead legal support for upstream transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and commercial agreements.
• Review, structure, and negotiate complex agreements related to oil and gas operations.

REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE

• Oversee compliance with applicable federal, state, and local oil & gas regulations, including environmental and land use requirements.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise leadership on potential impacts.

LITIGATION & RISK

• Manage and direct litigation strategy, including oversight of outside counsel.
• Identify and assess legal and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

• Advise on corporate governance matters, including board support, policies, and regulatory filings.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Partner with land, operations, finance, and executive teams to support business objectives.
• Provide oversight of land, title, and contractual matters, including leases, joint operating agreements, and related upstream documentation.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar admission in good standing (Colorado required; New Mexico preferred or ability to obtain.)
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of legal experience, with a combination of private practice and in-house experience.
• Demonstrated experience in oil & gas transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and commercial agreements.
• Strong background in regulatory compliance and litigation management, preferably within the oil & gas industry.
• Experience advising on exploration and production (E&P) operations, including familiarity with land, mineral rights, and related agreements.
• Proven ability to manage outside counsel and oversee legal budgets effectively.
• Experience supporting or advising on corporate governance matters, including board-level interactions.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and drafting skills with the ability to identify and communicate legal risk clearly and practically.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Experience in upstream oil & gas (E&P) operations, particularly in Colorado and/or New Mexico.
• Familiarity with key regulatory frameworks and agencies, including state oil & gas commissions and environmental regulators.
• Working knowledge of land, title, leasing, and mineral rights issues, including joint operating agreements and related upstream contracts.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with operational and commercial objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence and partner effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Practical, solution-oriented mindset with sound legal and business judgment.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Working Settings

• 95-100% office environment, 0-5% field environment;
• Travel between the KPK office and various oil & gas field operations as required.
• Hybrid – 3 days in office , 2 days remote

Compensation

• $175,000 – $225,000 annually

Final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role, including expertise in oil and gas transactions, regulatory compliance, and leadership experience.

Benefits

K.P. Kauffman Company, Inc. offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of its employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; HSA/FSA options; paid time off including vacation and sick leave; and Colorado Paid Family & Medical Leave (FAMLI). Benefits eligibility and details will be provided upon hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity

K.P. Kauffman Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.