Job Information
National Renewable Energy Laboratory General Law Attorney in Golden, Colorado
Posting Title
General Law Attorney
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Location
CO - Golden
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Position Type
Regular
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Hours Per Week
40
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Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.
Job Description
At NREL, we focus on creative answers to energy challenges. From breakthroughs in fundamental science to new clean energy technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy.
This role is under the direct supervision of the Assistant General Counsel (AGC) and entails collaborative work with the AGC, other legal advisors at the laboratory, and NREL's management and staff across various levels. Candidates must exhibit proven legal expertise in a pertinent area, with a preference for experience in procurement, construction, ESH&Q (Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality), privacy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and/or technology transfer activities. The incumbent will progressively assume higher levels of responsibility in the following areas:
Providing legal support to the Acquisition Services Office through the review and counsel on procurement documents, Department of Energy-funded subcontracts, leases, activities related to construction, purchase orders, and various other contractual agreements.
Analyzing and interpreting contractual clauses, government regulations, statutory laws, and case law to offer guidance on optimal strategies for attaining laboratory business goals, simultaneously reducing legal risks and potential liabilities for the organization.
Supporting the Technology Transfer Office by participating in the negotiation and formulation of agreements and amendments, including Agreements for Commercializing Technology (ACTs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Supporting the Information Technology team by facilitating the negotiation and creation of specialized Cyber Security provisions, conducting reviews of agreements, and addressing matters related to privacy.
Collaborating with the Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Office to address compliance matters, including adherence to mandates from various governmental agencies and the development and review of miscellaneous safety-related plans.
Evaluating external engagements of staff members to identify and address potential conflicts of interest, and conducting analyses and resolutions of various scenarios that involve ethical considerations and conflicts of interest.
Engaging in multi-disciplinary teams to tackle issues and formulate strategies that are aligned with and advance the mission of NREL.
Conducting identification and analysis of legal issues, creating essential documents, delivering cogent recommendations, and ensuring adherence to legal standards.
Collaborating with the Office of General Counsel team to deliver comprehensive legal support, facilitating the representation of Alliance in alignment with NREL's objectives.
Engaging extensively with Contracting Officers and Field Counsels at DOE's Golden Field Office, as well as with the DOE Headquarters Office of General Counsel, in fulfilling assigned responsibilities.
Providing support for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processes, Laboratory Site Operations, and Corporate Governance activities as necessary.
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Basic Qualifications
Relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Master's Degree or equivalent relevant education/experience. JD degree from an ABA accredited law school and admission to a State Bar. Must be a current member of the Colorado Bar or eligible for admission to the Colorado Bar by UBE Score Transfer or admission on motion.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Solid skills in decision-making and innovative problem-solving required – must be comfortable providing counsel to advance client goals while minimizing risk.
Experience performing legal research and drafting legal guidance.
A commitment to professionalism, a positive demeanor, and a keen interest in continuous learning and self-improvement.
Strong interest in the laboratory’s mission.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills and the ability to convey complex ideas through presentations.
Capacity to collaborate effectively within a team comprising attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals in a fast-evolving environment.
Skill in engaging and cooperating with various stakeholders, including visitors, external counsel, and NREL leadership, to educate and advise on diverse legal matters.
Must be detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, able to multi-task, and work independently while exhibiting outstanding interpersonal skills and team orientation.
Self-starter and able to manage complex projects with minimal oversight.
Proficient PC skills and ability to learn new software and systems are needed.
Effective negotiation skills focused on client-oriented outcomes, striving to achieve agreeable solutions.
Must be a current member of the Colorado Bar or eligible for admission to the Colorado Bar by UBE Score Transfer or admission on motion.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience providing legal counsel in a compliance-driven environment.
Knowledge of government contracting standards, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR).
Knowledge of Department of Energy national laboratories and/or federally funded research and development centers, government regulations, and general corporate law is highly desirable.
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Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Professional II / Annual Salary Range: $95,500 - $171,900
NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
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EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
EEO is the Law (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf) | Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)
E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08_01_2013.pdf) for English or here (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview. DOE rules for site access during the interview process are the same regardless of whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NREL (https://www.nrel.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NREL) at the lab.