Energy Transfer Equity

Sr Counsel - Litigation

Energy Transfer Equity • $150K — $200K *
Houston, TX 77084In-Person
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, preferably Texas.
  • 8-12+ years of litigation experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house roles.
  • Strong background in energy, midstream, oil & gas, or heavy industrial litigation.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value litigation and arbitration matters.
  • Familiarity with pipeline safety regulations, environmental statutes, and commercial contracts common in midstream operations.
  • Excellent judgment, negotiation skills, and ability to influence senior leaders.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, operationally driven environment with competing priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead all aspects of litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings for the company.
  • Manage a diverse docket, including commercial disputes and environmental enforcement.
  • Direct discovery strategy, including e-discovery and witness preparation.
  • Evaluate and negotiate settlement opportunities to protect the company's interests.
  • Advise Operations and Engineering on incident responses and regulatory investigations.
  • Support internal investigations and interface with federal and state agencies.
  • Develop and implement litigation management processes and provide training on litigation readiness.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work at the forefront of complex legal issues in the energy sector.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams, including Operations and Engineering.
  • Strategic role influencing executive leadership and risk management processes.
Full Job Description
Position Overview

The Senior Counsel, Litigation serves as the company's lead attorney for all litigation and dispute-related matters across the company's asset portfolio. This role provides strategic legal guidance to protect the company's interests in complex commercial disputes, operational incidents, environmental claims, land and ROW conflicts, construction matters, and regulatory enforcement actions. The Senior Counsel partners closely with Operations, Commercial, Land, EH&S, Engineering, and Executive Leadership to proactively manage risk, resolve disputes efficiently, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing midstream operations.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Strategy & Case Management
  • Lead all aspects of litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings involving the company, including case assessment, strategy development, budgeting, and oversight of outside counsel.
  • Manage a diverse docket including commercial disputes, construction claims, environmental enforcement, personal injury, property damage, ROW and eminent domain matters, and regulatory challenges.
  • Direct discovery strategy, including document preservation, e-discovery, witness preparation, and expert engagement.
  • Evaluate settlement opportunities and negotiate resolutions that protect the company's financial and operational interests.

Operational & Regulatory Support
  • Advise Operations, EH&S, and Engineering on incident response, spill events, pipeline integrity matters, and regulatory investigations.
  • Support internal investigations related to operational events, safety issues, or compliance concerns.
  • Interface with federal and state agencies (e.g., PHMSA, FERC, EPA, state environmental agencies) on enforcement actions, notices of violation, and compliance matters.
  • Provide legal guidance on pipeline safety regulations, environmental statutes, and operational risk mitigation.

Commercial & Contractual Disputes
  • Advise Commercial teams on contract interpretation, performance disputes, indemnity issues, and risk allocation.
  • Support resolution of disputes involving shippers, suppliers, contractors, and JV partners.
  • Draft and negotiate settlement agreements, tolling agreements, and dispute-related contract amendments.

Risk Management & Governance
  • Develop and implement litigation management processes, reporting, and metrics for executive leadership.
  • Provide training to internal teams on litigation readiness, document retention, and risk mitigation.
  • Advise on insurance coverage, claims strategy, and coordination with insurers.


Qualifications
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, preferably at least Texas.
  • 8-12+ years of litigation experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house roles.
  • Strong background in energy, midstream, oil & gas, or heavy industrial litigation.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value litigation and arbitration matters.
  • Familiarity with pipeline safety regulations, environmental statutes, and commercial contracts common in midstream operations.
  • Excellent judgment, negotiation skills, and ability to influence senior leaders.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, operationally driven environment with competing priorities.

Preferred Experience
  • Prior in-house experience in oil and gas cases including (upstream, midstream, and downstream, complex commercial litigation, mediation and arbitration matters, managing all phases.
  • Experience with PHMSA, FERC, EPA, and state environmental agencies.
  • Experience in complex commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation
  • Experience managing outside counsel and litigation budgets.

Competencies
  • Strategic legal thinking with strong business acumen
  • Exceptional communication and executive-level presence
  • Risk-based decision-making
  • Crisis management and calm under pressure
  • Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach
  • Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills

About Energy Transfer Equity

Energy Transfer Equity Careers

Join the dynamic team at Energy Transfer Equity, a leader in the energy sector, and propel your career to new heights in an industry that values innovation and leadership. At Energy Transfer Equity, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and personal development.

Work You’ll Do

At Energy Transfer Equity, you’ll collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to advancing the energy landscape through innovation and sustainable practices. Our team is at the forefront of the industry, leading projects that have a global impact. With a variety of positions available, from engineering to business management, Energy Transfer Equity is the place to be for ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact.

Innovative Growth and Leadership

Step into a role that challenges and excites you every day. Energy Transfer Equity is committed to fostering a culture of innovation where new ideas are welcomed and leadership is cultivated. Here, your career trajectory is supported by robust leadership training and opportunities for advancement.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that diversity fuels innovation. Energy Transfer Equity is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Our diversity training programs are designed to empower all employees and help them thrive both professionally and personally.

Benefits and Culture

Choose a career with Energy Transfer Equity and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your lifestyle and well-being. Our company culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers benefits that enhance your health, happiness, and job satisfaction. From health insurance to retirement plans, we ensure our team is covered.

Internship and Early Career Programs

Kickstart your career with Energy Transfer Equity through our internship and early career programs. These initiatives are tailored to nurture young talent by providing hands-on experience and networking opportunities that build foundational skills for a successful career in the energy sector.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous job opportunities at Energy Transfer Equity and find the position that best matches your skills and career goals. We are continuously hiring and looking for new talent to join our professional network. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a team that’s driving the future of energy.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Energy Transfer Equity: - **Career Insights**: Gain industry-leading insights and career tips directly from the professionals who are shaping the future of energy. - **Job Alert Emails**: Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips that align with your career preferences.

Explore Energy Transfer Equity Jobs

Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or a fresh start, Energy Transfer Equity offers a range of opportunities to advance your career. Visit our careers page to search for open positions that align with your interests and expertise. Join us and be part of a team that’s committed to excellence and leadership in the energy industry.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Energy Transfer Equity, where every career journey is met with enthusiasm and support.
Learn more about Energy Transfer Equity
Market Cap
$36.2 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
-$648 million
Founded
1995
5 Year Trend
+16.2%
Revenue
$38.9 billion
NASDAQ
ET
* Ladders Estimates

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