Legal Counsel, North America

USA
2107 Citywest Blvd
Suite 1300
Houston, TX 77042, USA

At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Legal Counsel will be a key member of the Legal Department for the North America Region. The North America Legal Department consists of 4 lawyers and 1 legal executive assistant. Preferred candidates will have 6+ years of experience as a general corporate attorney.

The Legal Counsel will primarily serve as the lead lawyer for sourcing and contracts matters, including sourcing claims and litigation, real estate and environmental matters for the North America Region. Additional responsibilities include mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and licensing, and other matters as may be assigned including collaboration with worldwide legal colleagues. The North America Region includes the United States, Canada and Mexico.

• Provides drafting, negotiation and other legal support to the North America and Group Sourcing Department utilizing existing templates, creating new documents, or responding to supplier agreements in connection with the procurement of products and services, capital expenditures, and confidentiality / non-disclosure agreements.
• Ensures adherence to Group’s contract review procedures including communication of non-standard risks as required for senior management approval.
• Manage sourcing engagements to retain virtually all contract workload in-house with utilization of outside counsel for limited occasions requiring specialized expertise.
• Assist Sourcing and Operations teams to set negotiation strategies and objectives for applicable matters and proactively respond to market or regulatory changes.
• Formulates legal strategy and determines the advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits and claims for sourcing related matters.
• Manages outside counsel and internally leads sourcing related litigation with responsibility for conducting investigations, engaging with our brokers and insurers, and achieving favorable outcomes including mediation and settlements. Strictly manages outside counsel legal budgets.
• Responsible for real estate matters, including real property transactions, deeds, leases (office building, industrial sites and pipe yard leases), mechanics liens, real estate property assessment matters, etc.
• Engage local outside counsel expertise as applicable.
• Supports environmental teams with respect to air and water permits, waste disposal, discharges, hazardous materials, inspections, and local, state and federal (EPA) compliance and reporting.

• Manage all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, including transaction structuring, legal due diligence, risk assessment, negotiation of definitive agreements, transition service agreements, regulatory compliance, and business and operations integration.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams working closely with controlling / finance, tax, human resources, operations, commercial, compliance, and external advisors to ensure timely completion, regulatory compliance, and achievement of strategic objectives.

• Draft, negotiate, and advise on intellectual property related agreements, including licenses, assignments, joint development, technology transfer, confidentiality, and collaboration agreements. (Responsibilities does not include the filing or maintaining of patents or trademarks.)
• Manage and assist in intellectual property related disputes, including infringement claims, licensing disputes, and enforcement actions. Develop legal strategy, oversee outside counsel, and advise on resolution, settlement, or litigation to protect company interests.

• Advises and trains North America managers and employees on company procedures, applicable law and regulations related to the Legal Counsel’s areas of responsibility and other applicable legal and compliance matters.

• Write and communicate legal opinions that may require research of statutes, regulations, and/or court decisions in complex areas of law.
• Assists in the…