Senior/Associate General Counsel – Construction & Federal Contracts

Hawaiian Electric; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawaiian Electric, based in Hawaii, seeks an Associate General Counsel or Senior Associate General Counsel to partner with business leaders on construction projects, federal contracts, and complex agreements. You will lead legal support, advise on risk and compliance, and shape strategies that align with Hawaii’s critical infrastructure needs.

A dynamic, in-house role offering broad organizational impact.

Qualifications

• JD and bar admission in Hawaii or eligibility for Hawaii admission.
• Strong knowledge of contract, commercial, and regulatory law.
• Ability to assess complex legal risks and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal support for construction and federal contracting matters.
• Advise business leaders on contracts, compliance, and risk.
• Structure, review, and negotiate major agreements.
• Translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance for business teams.
• Develop proactive risk management strategies and mentor junior lawyers.

Skills

Contract law

Commercial law

Legal analysis

Communication

Risk assessment

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Hawaii Bar admission or eligibility

Job description

This is an opportunity to serve as a trusted legal and business advisor to Hawaiian Electric, supporting the construction projects, federal contracts, and complex agreements that help power Hawaii’s infrastructure and operations.

As an Associate General Counsel or Senior Associate General Counsel, you’ll partner directly with business leaders and project teams to structure agreements, navigate regulatory requirements, manage risk, and solve complex legal challenges. You’ll have visibility across the organization and the opportunity to influence important projects at one of Hawaii’s most essential companies.

Your Impact

In this role, you will:

• Lead legal support for complex construction and federal contracting matters
• Advise business and project leaders on contracts, compliance, and risk
• Help structure, review, and negotiate agreements supporting major initiatives
• Translate complex legal requirements into practical business guidance
• Develop strategies that proactively manage contractual and operational risk
• At the Senior AGC level, provide greater strategic direction, mentorship, and independent leadership

What You’ll Do

• Advise on construction contracts, federal contracts and grants, and related commercial agreements
• Evaluate contractual obligations and legal risks and recommend practical solutions
• Support contract development, negotiation, administration, and risk management
• Advise business teams on legal and regulatory requirements affecting projects and agreements

Advise the Business

• Serve as a trusted legal partner to officers, managers, and cross-functional teams
• Provide guidance across related areas including commercial law, real estate, environmental regulation, finance, and public utility regulation
• Communicate complex legal issues and risks clearly to senior management
• Advise teams on new laws, legal developments, and policies affecting Hawaiian Electric

Support Strategic Initiatives

• Serve as legal advisor on task forces, committees, and special projects
• Help develop company policies, procedures, and business strategies
• Develop preventative legal programs and training to help teams identify and manage risk
• Represent Hawaiian Electric’s interests with external stakeholders when appropriate

Manage Legal Matters & Outside Counsel

• Manage and provide direction to outside counsel to ensure efficient, high-value legal support
• Monitor outside counsel performance and costs
• Partner with Legal Department team members to effectively execute legal initiatives
• Handle appropriate matters before courts and governmental administrative agencies

What You Bring

Associate General Counsel

• JD and admission to the Hawaii State Bar, or active good-standing membership in another state with the ability to obtain Hawaii admission
• 4+ years of legal experience
• Strong commercial and business law knowledge, particularly contract law
• Experience with construction, federal contracts and grants, or another relevant specialized area
• Strong legal judgment, analytical ability, and communication skills
• Ability to balance legal risk with practical business needs

Senior Associate General Counsel

In addition to the qualifications above:

• 7+ years of legal experience
• 3+ years of concentrated experience in one or more relevant specialized practice areas
• Broad knowledge of energy law and/or applicable construction, federal contracting, or commercial law
• Ability to independently advise senior leaders on complex matters
• Strong leadership, relationship management, and mentoring capabilities

Why Hawaiian Electric

This role offers the opportunity to bring your construction and contracting experience in-house and become a true partner to the business. You’ll work alongside leaders and project teams on complex initiatives while developing a deep understanding of Hawaiian Electric’s operations and the infrastructure that serves communities across Hawaii.

You’ll join an organization guided by its core values of Safety, Aloha, Integrity, and Excellence, with the opportunity to broaden your expertise and build a long-term in-house legal career.