Lead Counsel, Commercial – Energy, Infrastructure

OpenAI

. Own legal strategy and risk management for global energy procurement and power infrastructure transactions from initial structuring through execution and ongoing implementation .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesSenior💰 $330,000 - $423,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive legal expertise in complex commercial energy transactions, including power purchase agreements and regulatory frameworks. Capable of advising leadership on strategic energy and data center initiatives while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

10+ Years Legal ExperienceJDCalifornia Bar LicenseComplex Energy TransactionsU.S. Electricity Markets Familiarity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Power Purchase AgreementsEnergy Supply AgreementsUtility Service ContractsInterconnection AgreementsRegulatory ComplianceEnergy Project FinanceContract NegotiationRisk ManagementFinancial FluencyCross-Border Energy Deals

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsStrong Commercial JudgmentAbility to Operate AutonomouslyAdvising Senior LeadersCollaboration with Teams

Certifications & Qualifications

California Bar Admission

Industry Keywords

Energy ProcurementRenewable EnergyUtility TariffsFERCState Utility CommissionsRegional Grid OperatorsData Center DevelopmentEnergy StorageCarbon-Free GenerationMarket Participation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own legal strategy and risk management for global energy procurement and power infrastructure transactions from initial structuring through execution and ongoing implementation
Draft, negotiate, and advise on complex power purchase agreements, energy supply and hedging arrangements, and utility service and special contracts
Handle related regulatory requirements and approvals
Structure and negotiate interconnection, transmission, and utility infrastructure arrangements aligned with data center development and operating schedules
Advise leadership and business leaders on legal and regulatory considerations for energy and data center strategy
Support strategic partnerships involving renewable and other carbon-free generation, energy storage, and on-site or behind-the-meter power solutions
Develop legal and regulatory frameworks for energy procurement, project development, and collaboration with utilities, independent power producers, and energy developers
Partner with finance and operations teams on pricing, delivery and curtailment risk, credit support, project milestones, business requirements, and compliance requirements
Collaborate with policy and regulatory colleagues on energy transactions, utility tariffs, grid access, market participation, retail service requirements, and renewable energy attributes
Build scalable and efficient contracting processes
Guide outside counsel and coordinate with real estate, construction, tax, and regulatory counsel
Report to the Associate General Counsel for Infrastructure

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of legal experience, with substantial focus on complex commercial energy transactions
JD
License or qualification to practice in California
Experience in-house, at a law firm, or a combination of both, advising energy companies, utilities, developers, major power customers, or infrastructure investors
Experience independently leading complex energy transactions, including power purchase, utility service, or interconnection agreements
Familiarity with U.S. electricity markets, utility tariffs, and regulatory frameworks affecting energy supply, interconnection, and transmission
Knowledge of FERC, state utility commissions, and regional grid operators
Strong commercial judgment and financial fluency in energy pricing, volume commitments, credit support, and allocation of development and operating risk
Ability to operate with autonomy and sound judgment in highly technical and fast-moving environments
Exceptional communication skills and ability to advise senior business leaders on strategic decisions
Experience advising on cross-border energy deals and international energy regulatory frameworks is a plus
Prior experience with data center power procurement, generation or storage development, energy project finance, joint ventures, or on-site and behind-the-meter energy projects is a strong plus
Currently admitted to and in good standing with at least one U.S. state or federal bar

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity
Performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave: up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents
Paid medical and caregiver leave: up to 8 weeks
Flexible PTO for exempt employees
Up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays
Multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year
Paid sick or safe time
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend
Daily meals in offices
Meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Charitable donation matching
Wellness stipends