Context & Environment
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a major energy company, which produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Over 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, more affordable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 120 countries, TotalEnergies ambition is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner. The US Government is engineering a major transformation of the US economy with ambitious goals to cut GHG emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
What We Provide
TotalEnergies offers a robust comprehensive benefits package available to employees on the first day of hire. These benefits include but are not limited to generous PTO, medical, dental & vision care, HSA with company contributions, health FSA, commuter benefits or paid parking, 401(k) plan with employer match, pension plan, life & accident insurances, generous parental leave, education assistance, fitness subsidy and more.
TotalEnergies American Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability or any other category protected under applicable federal, state or local law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.
TotalEnergies believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
International Consideration
TotalEnergies regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited visa status for this position.
Activities
The TotalEnergies footprint in the US is increasing dramatically, with a focus in cutting edge, renewable energy technology. The Senior Legal Counsel sits within the Commercial & JV team. The US is a primary focus of the company’s multi-energy strategy, and the Commercial & JV team will have a key role in transformational projects over the next several years. This role will manage legal support to advance the company’s commercial legal needs and JV relationships, including:
- Provide support to various traditional and renewable business units.
- Negotiate, draft and review both simple and complex commercial contracts, including, but not limited to: NDAs, consulting agreements, acquisition agreements, strategic cooperation and joint venture agreements, real property agreements, interconnection agreements, ORECs, PPAs and other offtake agreements, operation and maintenance agreements, and other general commercial agreements.
- Manage day-to-day legal requests from the business teams, particularly relating to commercial transaction.
- Manage and provide strategic advice on claims and disputes, including litigation and arbitration workstreams.
- Advise senior management on all legal, regulatory, policy, and commercial law matters related to these activities.
- Develop and administer asset legal budgets, including legal budget associated with outside legal counsel and support.
- Provide strategic and legal advice on partnership discussions, community benefit agreements, other stakeholder agreements, and local content initiatives.
- Advise on regulatory issues and compliance and support the projects team in developing and maintaining policies and procedures and monitoring to ensure compliance.
- Prepare and deliver updates on legal developments and requirements to various audiences and provide ongoing advice on applicable laws and regulations governing commercial activities.
- Perform other tasks and takes on additional duties as reasonably assigned by supervisor, project manager and/or group unit.
- Develop and draft form and template contracts.
- Periodically travel between project offices as well as travel to and from respective project facilities.
- In conjunction with the Corporate & Compliance, Projects, HSSE & Trade, Litigation, and M&A teams, work cooperatively on all aspects of the TotalEnergies Company business activities in the U.S.
- The job holder must be able to work smoothly within the TotalEnergies Companies perimeter, understanding stakeholders and creating consensus.
Candidate Profile
Education & Certifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school or international equivalent.
- Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
Experience:
- Minimum of 15 years of legal experience with a strong focus on negotiating, drafting, and reviewing complex commercial agreements.
- Proven track record in handling commercial transactions, with a strong preference for experience in the power, renewable energy, or oil and gas sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in managing legal disputes and litigation strategy.
- Preferred background in regulatory compliance, real estate, environmental law, and joint venture (JV) governance.
Core Competencies & Skills:
- Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable insights.
- Strategic thinker capable of independently navigating high-stakes decisions and problem-solving.
- Adept at managing a high volume of diverse legal matters with competing priorities and deadlines.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills; thrives in global, collaborative environments with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration abilities.
- Unwavering commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professional integrity.