Energy and Oil & Gas Attorney Job Description

'An energy attorney is a professional, legally authorized to work in the energy sector and deals with clients such as energy companies and government entities. The attorneys handle electricity, gas, coal, and some energy trading work. He/she also handles every aspect of the energy industry, including: Upstream and downstream oil and gas, terminal procession agreements, pipeline transportation agreements, power purchasing and related concession agreements, energy trading arrangements and other energy-related contracts. Also, works on matters including renewable, biofuels and nuclear generation work. An energy attorney may also deal with litigation matters involving FERC administrative work with some compliance, investigations, and appellate proceedings. Clients include companies engaged in the mining and sale of natural resources, electric utilities, coal brokerage companies, mineral land owners, developers of cogeneration projects, waste-to-energy projects and operators of steam production and distribution systems. 

A J.D. degree or LL.B./LL.M. degree coupled with a particular state bar license are basic requirements to become an attorney. The person wishing to make a career in this area should be knowledgeable in energy law and policy, and utility regulatory matters. Updated knowledge of government actions and changes imposed by new laws and regulations, and provide interpretation and practical advice to clients on governmental regulations concerning the production and use of energy works as an added advantage.

Here are a few sample energy attorney job descriptions:

Energy Attorney

Seeking an Energy Associate with strong transactional experience in the area of US oil and gas development as well as acquisitions and dispositions in oil and gas areas. Candidate should have additional experience with project development, project finance and/or project acquisitions and dispositions. Must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar.

Energy Associate

The candidate must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar. Should have 3+ years of projects experience.  

Associate - Energy Advisory

The candidate must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar. Should have 3+ years of experience. Must have experience as a transactional lawyer in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures or in the development or financing of energy infrastructure projects.  

Energy Associate

The candidate should have a JD Degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar. Should have strong transactional experience in the area of US oil and gas development as well as acquisitions and dispositions in oil and gas areas. Ideally Should have additional experience with project development, project finance and/or project acquisitions and dispositions.  

Seeking an Energy Associate to work in a high-end energy corporate and finance transactional practice, involving energy-related secured transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and related corporate work. Must have a working knowledge of electricity and natural gas markets, oil and gas markets, and financial markets, and experience in drafting credit agreements, security agreements and mortgages, oil and gas transaction documents, purchase and sale agreements, and ISDA, EEI, and NAESB trading documents. Must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar.  

 Mid-level Corporate Energy Associate

The candidate must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar. Should have domestic and international oil and gas acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, commercial energy finance transactions, and other energy-related transactions experience.  

 Seeking a Transactional Associate with 4-7 years of LNG or upstream (E&P), midstream (pipeline or processing) or downstream (refinery, petchem) energy experience, with particular emphasis on M&A or project development. Should also have a J.D. degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar.'