Job Summary
The Counsel provides legal services in designated subject matter areas. Their work product shall display knowledge and understanding of the oil and natural gas industry, API’s mission, goals, and processes. The attorney should provide accurate work and completeness while meeting applicable deadlines and client needs.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Provide timely, integral legal counsel and strategic advice on assigned legislative, regulatory, litigation, and corporate issues as requested by the Senior Vice President, Vice Presidents, and assigned client groups.
- Assist API departments, offices, committees, and member companies on a portfolio of industry issues that require legal counsel, services, and advice.
- Identifying legal issues presented by proposed government regulation, legislation, or policy.
- Evaluate client groups, draft legal memoranda and briefs, review client committee agendas and minutes, attend client committee meetings.
- Prepare and review testimony and industry comments for administrative rulemakings, agency submissions, policy papers, and talking points on issues important to the industry, the institute, or its members.
- Take part in legislative and regulatory proceedings within assigned subject matter areas. The attorney will work with designated API staff and committees on issues, strategy development, consensus gathering, conflict resolution, coalition-building with other organizations, etc.
- Assist in identifying issues appropriate for litigation and engage in litigation or other judicial proceedings (in-house or through the use of outside counsel as applicable) within the assigned subject matter area.
Key Relationships
- Exercise a high level of independent judgement with minimal supervision while cooperating with other API staff, committees, and member company representatives.
Qualifications
- Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- 7 - 10 years of experience in a similar role and subject-matter expertise for the Counsel position
- Experience with oil and gas/natural resource law or environmental law is a plus
- Knowledge and experience in litigation (Federal administrative law is preferred)
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and consensus-building skills
Physical Requirements
- Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
- Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
- Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
- Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion
Travel Requirements
- Up to 25%
This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.
EEO Statement
API is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.
API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at [email protected].
This salary range is DC based and may be adjusted accordingly due to candidate’s geographic location. Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.
API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.
Skills Required
- Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- 7–10 years of experience in a similar role
- Subject-matter expertise relevant to the Counsel position
- Knowledge and experience in litigation
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and consensus-building skills
- Experience with oil and gas, natural resource law, or environmental law
- Federal administrative law experience
What We Do
American Petroleum Institute (API) is the national trade association representing all segments of the U.S. natural gas and oil industry, with about 600 members producing, processing, and distributing much of the nation’s energy. It advocates on public policy, develops standards and certification programs, and conducts research and publishes industry statistics. Formed as a standards-setting organization, API promotes safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.
