EPC Attorney

EPC Attorney

Company:

GIS

Location:

Houma | New Orleans | Baton Rouge | Houston

Position Type:

Full-Time

Company Overview:

GIS

is a premier energy services company delivering comprehensive solutions across the evolving energy landscape. While rooted in over 75 years of excellence in offshore and onshore construction and maintenance within the oil and gas industry, GIS has expanded its capabilities to include large-scale utility solar farm construction projects. Our continued commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence allows us to support both traditional and renewable energy sectors with the same trusted expertise.

Job Summary:

The

EPC Attorney

serves as in-house staff counsel providing strategic legal support for commercial solar projects. This position focuses on protecting the company's interests while negotiating with project owners/developers, managing subcontractor relationships, and ensuring successful project delivery from the EPC contractor's perspective across all phases - from bid submission through project closeout.

Key Responsibilities:

- Draft, review, and negotiate solar EPC agreements with project owners/developers, focusing on protecting EPC contractor margins, limiting liability exposure, and managing performance obligations.

- Negotiate and draft subcontractor agreements (civil/structural, electrical, mechanical) and manage subcontractor relationships including default scenarios, back-charge procedures, insurance and bonding requirements, and change order management.

- Provide legal support for equipment procurement including solar modules, inverters, transformers, and other critical components; negotiate supplier agreements and manage supply chain risk.

- Advise internal teams (legal, commercial, engineering, project management, and procurement) on legal risks, liability allocation, contractual rights and obligations from the EPC contractor's perspective.

- Manage change order negotiations with owners and coordinate subcontractor pass-through claims; handle claims management and dispute resolution to protect company interests.

- Ensure EPC contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including environmental permits, local solar ordinances, interconnection requirements, renewable energy credits (RECs), investment tax credit (ITC) requirements, and safety regulations.

- Handle EPC contractor-specific risk management including schedule delays, liquidated damages exposure, warranty obligations, manufacturer defect claims, force majeure events, and cost overrun protection strategies.

- Support bid and proposal development from a legal perspective, including owner terms & conditions review, RFP compliance, and risk assessment for bid pricing.

- Manage EPC contractor insurance requirements (general liability, professional liability, builder's risk) and coordinate performance and payment bond requirements; handle insurance claims coordination.

- Interface with project owners' lenders and their counsel; manage lender consent requirements for contract modifications and support project milestone certifications.

- Collaborate with external counsel as needed on complex legal matters, disputes, and litigation support.

- Monitor regulatory developments relevant to solar EPC contracting, including federal and state renewable energy policies, incentives, tariffs, and construction industry regulations.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED:

- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction.

- 5+ years of experience practicing law representing EPC contractors or construction companies, with strong focus on renewable energy infrastructure development and project delivery.

- Demonstrated experience negotiating large-scale construction contracts from the contractor's perspective including subcontractor agreement management.

- Strong understanding of EPC contractor business models, construction law, risk management principles, procurement law, and project finance structures.

- Experience with subcontractor management, supply chain legal issues, and equipment procurement cycles.

- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills with ability to protect contractor interests while maintaining productive client relationships.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in cross-functional teams including commercial, engineering, and procurement departments.

PREFFERED:

- Prior in-house legal experience with EPC contractors, construction companies, or infrastructure developers.

- Understanding of construction scheduling, critical path issues, and EPC contractor profit margin protection.

- Experience with utility-scale solar projects, battery storage systems, and other renewable energy EPC delivery.

- Familiarity with international EPC projects and cross-border contracting from the contractor's perspective.

- Knowledge of construction industry insurance, bonding, and warranty management practices.

Benefits:

- Competitive salary

- Comprehensive benefits package (including health, dental, and vision insurance)

- 401(k)

- Paid time off

- Opportunities for professional development

Physical Requirements:

- Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

- Walking/Standing: Occasionally required to stand and walk within the office.

- Manual Dexterity: Regular use of hands to operate computer and other office equipment.

- Visual/Auditory: Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

EEOC Statement:

GIS

is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.