ENGIE is committed to reshaping the energy future through the global implementation of a lower carbon energy economy in order to preserve the world’s natural resources. We are looking for talented and driven people who are committed to making the vision a reality.
The Attorney II will manage customer collections suits, settlements, and bankruptcy matters. Assist with customer complaint investigation and response preparation to utility commission inquiries. Assist with transactional work supporting development of retail renewable products and sales. Assist with anticipated M&A activities in the retail space.
This position is located in Houston, Texas and reports to the VP & Assistant General Counsel, ENGIE North America.
What you’ll do:
- Work with internal and external resources to effectively manage customer collection/bankruptcy litigation activity
- Perform online research to determine the whether to pursue legal action (e.g. research Secretary of State, District Court and Bankruptcy Court, property tax, and county clerk real property records to determine if defendant is viable).
- If suit is warranted, then assemble legal package with all relevant information needed to file suit (e.g. contract, bills, ledger)
- Assist local counsel in preparation of the petition, service of process, discovery, mediation and settlement, and trial preparation
- Ensure timely responses to all bankruptcy deadlines so that ENGIE claims are protected
- Work with internal resources (e.g. billing, customer care, collections) as required to investigate any customer service issues and respond to public service commission inquiries
- Identify and recommend actions to maintain compliance and mitigate regulatory risks
- Work with internal resources to take corrective action where appropriate to improve business processes and procedures
- Maintain knowledge of public service commission regulations affecting retail electricity contracts, marketing & advertising, and customer protection
- Assist with Energy Plus initiatives (i.e. renewable product offerings that are being developed)
- Work closely with Sales, Business Control, Credit and Supply groups to draft and negotiate transaction agreements
- Maintain knowledge of laws and regulations affecting renewable product sales and marketing
- Identify and recommend actions to maintain compliance and mitigate risks associated with the foregoing
- Assist with retail M&A work, including due diligence and ethics reviews required by business development policies
- Assist with customer and operational matters associated with enrolling, serving, and managing acquired books of business
- Solicit information about commercial objectives of the retail business unit through regular correspondence and attendance at department meetings
- Advise the company how to achieve its commercial objectives in conformity with applicable law, the company’s risk profile, and regulatory requirements, in each case relying on previous experience, internal research, or external legal counsel
- Evaluate and assess financial and other risks associated with potential claims affecting the retail business unit, using statues and case law (both publicly available and through subscription services), internal resources or external counsel
- Advise the company on recommended changes to processes and contracts to minimize risks of disputes and litigation
- Provide legal, ethics and contract training to sales personnel
- Regularly meet with and advise retail business unit clients to accomplish commercial objectives
What you bring:
- A JD (Juris Doctor) degree from an ABA accredited law school required
- A minimum of two (2) years of legal experience in a law firm and/or in house experience
- Licensed to practice law in Texas or another US jurisdiction, and in good standing
- Trial preparation/litigation experience required
- Collections/bankruptcy experience is desirable
- Some experience with public service commission regulation of the retail electricity market is desirable
- Some transactional experience is a plus
- General background and working knowledge of trial preparation and litigation is needed
- Specific experience in bankruptcy and collections litigation is very desirable
- A general knowledge of the retail electricity business and state service commission requirements affecting electricity retailers is a plus
- The ability to work well and coordinate with many different internal stakeholders is critical
- The ability to be an effective project manager is required
- The ability to adapt to changing priorities and demanding deadlines with minimum of frustration, and an ability to timely support multiple complex assignments are essential to success in this position
- An intellectually curious self-starter
- Confident, able and quick to learn
- Working effectively as part of a team
Additional Information/Conditions:
- Ability to meet highest attendance requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally
- Ability to handle multiple assignments on a timely basis with a high degree of accuracy
Why ENGIE?
ENGIE North America isn’t just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we’re leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.
Unite with us in leading the transformation of the world of energy! ENGIE is looking for talented and motivated individuals to create the future of energy and customer solutions. Join a rewarding and flexible work environment that encourages innovation and creativity to help customers meet their energy challenges today and in the future. Are you up for the challenge?
At ENGIE, our goal is to support, promote, and thrive on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do so for the benefit of our employees, customers, products and services, and community. ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees.
We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ENGIE are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. ENGIE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union, or domestic partnership status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (referred to as “protected characteristics”) as defined by applicable federal, state or local law in the locations where we operate.
- Salary Range:$97,965.00 – $163,590.00, annually
- Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors
- In addition to salary, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus / incentive plan
- At ENGIE we understand that benefits matter, we offer competitive benefit options including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, employer paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan option with a company match
- More information can be found here: Discover our employee benefits
ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.
Your talent acquisition partner can share more specific information regarding the salary for the position based on the work location.
If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at ENGIENA-ENGIEHR@engie.com. This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.
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Business Unit: T&G
Division: T&G NORTHAM – Regional Hub
Legal Entity: ENGIE North America Inc.
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full – Time
Professional Experience: Skilled ( >3 experience <15 years)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree