Senior Counsel (Litigation)

socalgascareers; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus program

Medical, dental, and vision packages

401K company match

Company provided Pension Plan

Generous PTO

Wellness Programs

Tuition/Education Reimbursement

Career Development Tools & Resources

Job summary

SoCalGas in Los Angeles seeks an experienced Senior Counsel of Litigation to advise on complex legal issues and defend personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, and business disputes. You will manage outside counsel and independently handle a varied caseload for the company.

You will counsel business units and the claims department, assess risk, and develop innovative legal strategies. The role supports regulatory compliance and cross-functional teamwork under the Assistant General

Qualifications

• Requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active membership in the California Bar or another U.S. state Bar.
• 8+ years of related litigation experience, including complex matters.
• Jury trial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently handle varied litigation matters and represent the Company in court, including defense of personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage claims and business litigation.
• Work with business clients to analyze and assess potential claims, including resolving disputes without litigation.
• Provide advice to business units, claims department and other client groups, including risk mitigation for highly complex issues.
• Develop innovative legal solutions to facilitate business growth while managing compliance and risk exposure.
• Lead provision of legal advice on strategic initiatives and cross-functional alignment.
• Resolve disputes with regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance and minimizing penalties.
• Coordinate with external counsel to resolve disputes and oversee legal strategies.
• Implement a structured system for tracking legal documentation.

Skills

Legal Drafting

Contract Management

Legal Research

Legal Advisory

Regulatory Compliance

Litigation Management

Corporate Governance

Documentation and Records Management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B.

Job description

About Us

SoCalGas, the nation’s largest gas distribution utility, is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to over 21 million Southern California customers. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the needs of our communities we proudly uphold our mindset of “Glad to be of Service” and provide exceptional customer service today and ready to meet California’s energy needs with innovative solutions for tomorrow.

As an employee of SoCalGas, you will support our core values to do the right thing, champion people, and shape the future. You will play a pivotal role in the energy transition initiatives, supporting our mission: Safe, reliable, and affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting top talent and fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the vibrant communities we serve.

As an employee of SoCalGas, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation plan, upward mobility opportunities and the ability to find a true work life balance. Discover the rewards of joining SoCalGas by exploring our website: Our Mission; Sustainability, In the Community, and Employee Benefits. Join SoCalGas today and become a vital part of a team that is driving innovation, championing community needs, and shaping the future of energy in California.

Primary Purpose

Advises on complex legal issues and develops practical solutions that balance risk management with strategic business priorities. Experienced litigation attorney to represent the Company in lawsuits primarily consisting of the defense of personal injury, wrongful death and property damage claims, and business litigation. In addition, managing outside counsel representing the Company in complex litigation matters. Senior Counsel of Litigation independently handles a caseload of litigation matters for the Company and reports to the Assistant General Counsel of Litigation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently handle varied assigned litigation matters and represent the Company in court. Lawsuits primarily consist of the defense of personal injury, wrongful death and property damage claims, and business litigation.
• Work with all business clients to analyze and assess potential claims, including resolving such disputes without litigation.
• Provide advice and counsel to business units, claims department and other client groups, including advising on risk mitigation with respect to highly complex, technical and/or sensitive issues; regarding potential liability issues that may arise in business transaction and other business activities.
• Creates innovative legal solutions to facilitate business growth while managing compliance and risk exposure.
• Leads the provision of legal advice on aspects of strategic initiatives while driving cross-functional alignment.
• Resolves disputes with regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance while minimizing financial penalties and reputational damage.
• Oversees and develops legal strategies and coordinates with external counsel to resolve disputes.
• Implements a structured system for tracking legal documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Required: Requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and active membership in the California Bar or another U.S. state Bar.

Experience

• Required: 8 years of related experience.
• Preferred: 8 or more years of litigation experience, including experience on complex litigation matters is preferred.
• Preferred: Jury trial experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required: Legal Drafting - Prepares written legal documents, including a motion, a letter, a brief, a memo, or a contract.
• Required: Contract Management - Streamlining the creation, execution, storage or renewal of contracts, with a focus on compliance, often via software or other automated means.
• Required: Legal Research - The process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making.
• Required: Legal Advisory - Providing an opinion regarding the substance or procedure of the law in relation to a particular factual situation.
• Required: Regulatory Compliance - Ensuring an organization's adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines and specifications relevant to its business processes.
• Required: Litigation Management - The act, process, or practice of settling a dispute in a court of law.
• Required: Corporate Governance - Corporate governance is the collection of mechanisms, processes and relations used by various parties to control and to operate a corporation.
• Required: Documentation and Records Management - Creating, distributing, using, maintaining and disposition of recorded information maintained as evidence of business activities and transactions.
• Preferred: Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in jury trial procedures, with proficiency in all phases of jury trial litigation.
• Preferred: Demonstrated strong analytical and legal writing abilities, with excellent oral advocacy and communication skills.

Benefits

SoCalGas offers a comprehensive benefits program to help support employees both personally and professionally. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive pay & Annual Bonus program
• Medical, dental, and vision packages (plus free Mental Health resources/sessions)
• 401K company match & Company provided Pension Plan
• Work/Life Balance including generous PTO
• Wellness Programs/Classes
• Tuition/Education Reimbursement
• Career Development Tools & Resources through SoCalGas University

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