Description:
Job Summary:CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value drives our strategy and performance. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.
Inclusion and Diversity
CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.
At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.
Learn more in the “About Us” section of our career's web site.
The CenterPoint Energy Legal Department is seeking a Senior Counsel with a strong background in securities law, SEC compliance, public company disclosures, and corporate governance. This role will advise on Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, Exchange Act filings, securities filings, governance matters, and support the Office of the Corporate Secretary. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, Accounting, Treasury, Investor Relations, and other business functions. This attorney will report to the Associate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
Specifically, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Provide legal advice and support on:
- Securities laws, SEC compliance, and public company disclosure matters, including reviewing and drafting SEC securities filings such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 filings, and other Exchange Act filings.
- Review and advise on Exchange Act reporting requirements, disclosure controls, periodic reporting obligations, and other applicable securities regulations.
- Public company corporate governance matters, governance documents, Board and committee processes, and compliance with stock exchange listing requirements.
- Support the Corporate Secretary, including preparation for Board, committee, and shareholder meetings; drafting meeting notices, agendas, and minutes; reviewing and drafting Board presentations; and assisting with governance and Board processes.
- Support preparation and review of the annual proxy statement and related shareholder materials, including matters involving SEC and Exchange Act requirements.
- Support subsidiary governance management, including drafting written consents, resolutions, secretary certificates, and governing documents; maintaining proper records; and forming and dissolving legal entities.
- Assist with the review of investor materials, including earnings and other financial materials, press releases, investor communications, and other public disclosures.
- Assist with providing the Board with strategic legal support, advice, and analysis, as well as supporting the company's shareholder engagement efforts.
- Assist with corporate transactions and review of contracts, as needed.
- Support various departments, including Accounting, Treasury, Investor Relations, and Finance, on securities, disclosure, governance, and other corporate legal matters.
- Participate in and lead legal department initiatives and projects.
- Interact with and establish the respect and confidence of senior business leaders, executives, Board members, and business functions.
- Exercise strong leadership, judgment, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Keep the company updated and advised on applicable legal requirements, SEC developments, securities regulations, corporate governance practices, and industry best practices.
- Develop standardized forms, processes, and procedures for assigned areas of responsibility.
- Participate in the definition and development of policies, procedures, and programs, and provide continuing counsel and guidance on the implications of legal matters.
- Required to learn company policies, procedures, and safety rules.
- Manage a high volume of matters at any given time, work effectively under pressure, prioritize multiple competing assignments, and consistently meet critical deadlines.
- Oversee and manage outside counsel and staff, as required.
Qualifications:
- Requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a J.D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree from an accredited law school.
- Minimum 3 years of corporate legal experience at a large law firm and/or as in-house counsel, with meaningful experience advising public companies.
- Must be eligible to practice in at least one state in the United States, preferably Texas.
- Significant experience with securities law compliance, SEC reporting, public company disclosures, Exchange Act filings, securities filings, and corporate governance.
- Experience reviewing or drafting SEC filings, including Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, Form 8-K, Section 16 filings, and proxy statements.
- Strong understanding of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SEC rules and regulations, public company reporting obligations, and corporate governance requirements.
- Experience supporting Boards of Directors, corporate secretaries, shareholder meetings, and governance processes.
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, communication, and business judgment skills.
- Preferred: Experience in energy and utilities, including electric generation, transmission and distribution and natural gas distribution, is a plus.
- Experience managing outside counsel law firms is a plus.
- Experience with public company corporate governance, SEC reporting, proxy statements, shareholder engagement, or investor relations matters is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated commitment to pro bono and community activities.
We Want You to Know:
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.
