Lead Counsel - Projects

Area
USA

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.

TotalEnergies celebrates diversity and is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other category protected under applicable federal, state or local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.

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.

Working at TotalEnergies

At TotalEnergies we are committed to balancing flexibility while fostering strong relationships among our team members. Our office-based employees work together from dynamic workspaces 3 days per week to build teamwork through collaboration while also having the flexibility to work from home 2 days per week

International Consideration

TotalEnergies regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited visa status for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

- Serve as primary legal support for all TotalEnergies U.S. affiliates, with a focus on Project agreements from site control through commercial operation, financing, and ongoing operations.
- Hold primary in-house accountability for Project matters across all branches in the U.S. on assigned subject matter, exercising broad delegated authority and serving as the principal point of escalation below the Deputy General Counsel for matters of enterprise legal, financial, and reputational consequence.
- Negotiate, draft, and review complex commercial agreements, including consulting agreements, acquisition agreements, strategic cooperation and joint venture agreements, real property agreements, interconnection agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), feedstock agreements, equipment supply agreements, EPC agreements, debt and tax equity financing agreements, tax credit transfer agreements, and operations and maintenance agreements.
- Serve as the primary legal point of contact for business units and manage day-to-day legal support related to commercial transactions, development, offtake, feedstock, project execution, and financing activities.
- Support M&A activities by conducting legal due diligence on target Projects and assisting with partial and whole sell-down transactions.
- Advise, present to, and influence senior management on legal, regulatory, policy, and commercial matters related to Project activities.
- Provide legal leadership on matters that impact the Company at the enterprise level, including matters affecting the Company's legal rights and obligations, regulatory standing, and reputational posture.
- Identify, mitigate, and manage legal, financial, and reputational risk to support Company-wide transformation and business objectives.
- Advise on regulatory issues and compliance, and support the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Advise on tax credit principles and related documentation.
- Develop and administer legal budgets, including budgets associated with outside counsel and legal support services.
- Identify, engage, and manage cross-border experts and specialists, including defining scope and budget requirements, and directing external legal advice to support business objectives.
- Lead legal know-how initiatives, including maintaining templates and playbooks, delivering training, and implementing process improvements, knowledge management practices, collaboration tools, and digital and AI-enabled legal solutions.

Experience & Qualifications Required:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school or international equivalent; licensed and in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum 8+ years of legal experience, including advising on complex regulatory, commercial, transactional, and litigation matters.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. legal and regulatory frameworks, with experience managing multi-jurisdictional and cross-border legal matters.
- Demonstrated ability to assess legal and business risks, provide practical legal guidance, and influence strategic decision-making.
- Experience leading complex projects, managing competing priorities, and collaborating across legal, commercial, and operational teams.
- Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to effectively advise and influence senior leadership.
- Working knowledge of the energy industry and associated regulatory environments, including FERC, NERC, ERCOT, PJM, and state regulatory frameworks.
- Proven ability to work effectively within global, cross-functional, and matrixed organizations.
- Professional fluency in English required; French language skills are a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professional responsibility.

Joining TotalEnergies means committing to the energy transition and helping provide energy that is more affordable, more available, and more sustainable for as many people as possible. You will grow within an international multi-energy company where every talent matters. You will contribute to ambitious projects and deliver concrete solutions to today's energy challenges.

Throughout your career, you will benefit from a wide variety of assignments and tailored learning opportunities. You will fully develop your potential in an environment that fosters innovation and excellence. Join committed and collaborative teams where success is built together.

We place respect and employee well-being at the heart of our performance. That is why TotalEnergies values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.