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Energy Attorney Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest ... attorneys. * Draft, review, and negotiate routine agreements (e.g., discovery and litigation ...

Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest ... attorneys. * Draft, review, and negotiate routine agreements (e.g., discovery and litigation ...

Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest ... attorneys. * Draft, review, and negotiate routine agreements (e.g., discovery and litigation ...

Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest ... attorneys. * Draft, review, and negotiate routine agreements (e.g., discovery and litigation ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Nashville, Tennessee Build a Meaningful, Long-Term Career in Family Law Stange Law Firm, PC has an immediate opening for a motivated attorney to join our team in Nashville ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Memphis, Tennessee Join Our Planned Memphis Office Stange Law Firm, PC is seeking a motivated attorney for its planned expansion into Memphis, Tennessee. The opening date and ...

Beasley Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is a Nashville-based law firm looking for an attorney to represent our existing client base - you'll walk into a full docket, not build one from scratch. You'll ...

Associate Attorney

Nashville, TN · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The largest Workers' Compensation Defense firm in the Southeast seeks a talented attorney for our ... Partners will devote time and energy to training and mentoring as well as providing you with ...

Attorney/Lawyer (Memphis)

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Memphis, Tennessee Join Our Planned Memphis Office Stange Law Firm, PC is seeking a motivated attorney for its planned expansion into Memphis, Tennessee. The opening date and ...

The largest Workers' Compensation Defense firm in the Southeast seeks a talented attorney for our ... Partners will devote time and energy to training and mentoring as well as providing you with ...

The largest Workers' Compensation Defense firm in the Southeast seeks a talented attorney for our ... Partners will devote time and energy to training and mentoring as well as providing you with ...

From attorneys in all 50 states, to client support staff, creative marketing to operations teams, every member of our firm has a key role to play in the winning fight for consumer rights. Some ...

Attorney

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

We are always seeking attorneys with some experience, preferably experience in plaintiff's civil litigation. We offer a wellestablished on-the-job training program to learn about our specific ...

From attorneys in all 50 states, to client support staff, creative marketing to operations teams, every member of our firm has a key role to play in the winning fight for consumer rights. Some ...

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Showing results 1-20

Energy Attorney information

See Tennessee salary details

$30.9K

$134.3K

$255K

How much do energy attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for energy attorney in Tennessee is $134,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $186,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an energy attorney?

An Energy Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in laws and regulations related to the energy sector, including oil, gas, electricity, and renewable resources. They advise clients on compliance with environmental and regulatory standards, draft contracts, and represent clients in disputes or negotiations involving energy production and distribution. Energy Attorneys often work with government agencies, utility companies, or private firms to navigate the complex legal landscape of the energy industry.

What is an energy attorney?

An energy attorney is a lawyer who is legally authorized to work in the energy sector. Energy attorneys are experts in energy use, regulation, and law. As an energy attorney, you must understand the rules that dictate how companies create and harvest energy. Your responsibilities include handling electricity, gas, coal, and energy trading work. Other duties include representing companies that mine and sell natural resources, as well as handling pipeline agreements, power purchasing, and energy-related contracts. You may also work on contracts regarding renewable energy and biofuels.

What are some common challenges energy attorneys face when working on regulatory compliance matters?

Energy Attorneys often navigate complex and evolving regulations at federal, state, and local levels. One challenge is staying current with frequently changing policies affecting energy generation, distribution, and environmental standards. They must also coordinate with technical experts and clients to interpret regulations accurately and implement compliant business strategies. Effective communication skills and attention to detail are essential, as these attorneys often serve as liaisons between regulatory bodies, clients, and internal teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an energy attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Energy Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and expertise in energy law, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation. Familiarity with legal research databases, energy regulatory agency platforms (such as FERC or state commissions), and document management systems is essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable effective client representation, ensure regulatory compliance, and support successful navigation of the complex and evolving energy sector.

What is the difference between Energy Attorney vs Energy Contract Specialist?

AspectEnergy AttorneyEnergy Contract Specialist
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionBachelor's degree, often in law, business, or engineering; some roles prefer legal or contract certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesEnergy companies, utility firms, consulting agencies
Industry UsageLegal advisory, regulatory compliance, contract negotiationsDrafting, reviewing, and managing energy contracts

Energy Attorneys focus on legal matters, regulatory compliance, and advising clients on energy laws, while Energy Contract Specialists handle the drafting, review, and management of energy-related contracts. Both roles require understanding of energy regulations, but their core responsibilities differ, with attorneys providing legal counsel and specialists managing contractual processes.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Energy Attorney jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Energy Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Energy Attorney jobs in TN?

For Energy Attorney jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Energy Attorney job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,262 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16918
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.
We are seeking an experienced Patent Attorney to support the laboratory's research, innovation, and national security mission. This role provides legal counsel on intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, and research-related transactions in a highly regulated government-contractor environment.
The Patent Attorney will work closely with scientists, engineers, technology transfer professionals, procurement and export control personnel, DOE patent and laboratory leadership to protect and deploy ORNL innovations in compliance with DOE requirements, federal law, and the laboratory's public mission.
This is an in-house legal role for an attorney with strong patent expertise, sound judgment, transactional experience, and the ability to support multidisciplinary stakeholders across a complex research enterprise.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Patent Attorney will provide practical, strategic legal support for ORNL staff, including:
  • Advise staff and management on intellectual property matters, including patent and copyright law, data rights, licensing, technology transfer, economic development, sponsored research, and other transactions supporting the laboratory's mission;
  • Proactively identify and respond to opportunities to contribute to the ORNL mission and lab agenda within scope of responsibility;
  • Support and guide in-house patent agents and paralegals, and outside patent counsel to ensure high-quality patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio management aligned with laboratory objectives;
  • Assist in developing and managing patent portfolios that advance ORNL's technology transfer, commercialization, and public-interest goals;
  • Support procurement activities by advising on IP clauses and related contracting issues;
  • Provide legal support on export control matters affecting IP, research collaborations, technology dissemination, and related transactions, in coordination with internal subject matter experts;
  • Advise and educate laboratory personnel on IP policies, procedures, and best practices;
  • Collaborate with researchers, licensing professionals, contracting personnel, and leadership to resolve legal issues in a practical, timely, and mission-focused manner;
  • Contribute to improvements in legal processes, templates, training, and guidance materials for internal clients.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school;
  • Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and ability to satisfy applicable Tennessee BAR Association practice requirements;
  • Active membership in the U.S. Patent Bar.
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio strategy;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues to technical and non-technical audiences;
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, business professionals, contracting personnel, research administrators, and senior leadership;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to client service in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience with the DOE patent system, whether as a contractor attorney, federal employee, or counsel supporting DOE laboratories;
  • Familiarity with export control, federal procurement law, sponsored research, and commercialization in a government-contractor setting;
  • Technical background or demonstrated ability to work effectively with sophisticated scientific and engineering subject matter across multiple disciplines;
  • Experience providing advice on technology transfer and research-related agreements, and commercialization transactions.

Special Requirements:
  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment processes, which may include a background investigation, drug screening, and other security-related reviews consistent with DOE and ORNL policies.
Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining the required clearance and satisfying all applicable security, compliance, and workplace requirements.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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