Intellectual Property Attorney Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

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Human Resources
Posting End Date: This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged.
BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:
The P NC LEGAL Department of the P LEGAL Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available at either the Associate General Counsel or Senior Associate General Counsel level; with emphasis in one or more of following areas: Human Resources, Construction, Federal Contracts, Cyber/Privacy, IT/OT, Environmental. The vacancy will be filled at whichever level is most suited to the qualifications of the selected candidate. (Role: PROFESSIONAL)
ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
JOB FUNCTION:
Provides in-house legal services for the benefit of Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries, with emphasis in one or more of following areas: Human Resources, Construction, Federal Contracts, Cyber/Privacy, IT/OT, Environmental; and monitor work assigned to outside counsel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides legal services to Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light (the Companies), including evaluation of complex legal issues and assessment of risk, in a wide range of areas, including business and corporate law (with an emphasis on corporate and commercial transactions and corporate liabilities), federal contracts and federal grants, public utility regulation, labor and employment law, environmental regulation, real property, construction law, securities, finance, compensation and benefits, legislation, litigation, intellectual property, information technology, telecommunications, privacy and data protection law; develop preventative law programs including training to assist operational managers and their staffs in the handling of their work; advise officers, managers and employees regarding new laws, legal trends, cases and policies pertinent to the Companies.
• Provides work direction and/or monitor work performed by outside attorneys to ensure use of the same is efficient and provides high value; assist in monitoring and managing outside counsel costs, including invoice reviews. Direct, provide guidance to and monitor work of Legal Department Legal Assistants.
• Participates as a legal adviser on task forces, committees and special projects. Effectively communicate with senior management on legal issues and risks, including preparing and delivering presentations. Advocate the companies' positions externally.
• Assists in the development of the companies' policies, procedures, and strategies. In addition, assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures and systems for provision of legal services and monitoring of potential areas requiring legal review.
• Handles routine matters in court or before governmental administrative agencies.
• Provides such other services as attorney's abilities, education, and experiences enable attorney to perform. Other duties as assigned.
• Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge Requirements

• Law degree, membership in the Hawaii State Bar Association and license to practice law in Hawaii (license to practice law and in good standing in another state will suffice pending admission to Hawaii bar).
• Thorough knowledge in commercial and business law (particularly contract law) with particular attention to the interplay between a multitude of priorities, potential conflicting goals and identified risks, including management of such risks to acceptable levels.
• General knowledge and familiarity with the legal areas listed in the job requirements and specialized knowledge in one or more of such areas.

Skills Requirements

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, maintain a high level of attention to details, meet deadlines and deliver a high quality work product.
• Ability to make mature, experienced business and legal judgments and apply strategic thinking.
• Ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, logically and succinctly (both verbally and in writing).
• Demonstrates a commitment to the Company's Core Values (Safety, Aloha, Integrity and Excellence).
• Demonstrates a strong customer (internal and external) orientation and the ability to generate strong internal client satisfaction.
• In depth analytical, organizational and conceptual skills to handle various projects and programs.
• Ability to identify, analyze and research legal issues affecting the Companies, and make recommendations to resolve or address the issues. Ability to identify legal options and provide creative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Ability to make quick decisions on multiple topics and prioritize work demands on a routine basis.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of legal experience required.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
JOB FUNCTION:
Provides in-house legal services for the benefit of Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries, with emphasis in one or more of following areas: Human Resources, Construction, Federal Contracts, Cyber/Privacy, IT/OT, Environmental; and monitor work assigned to outside counsel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides legal services to Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light (the Companies), including evaluation of complex legal issues and assessment of risk, in a wide range of areas, including business and corporate law (with an emphasis on corporate and commercial contracts and corporate liabilities), public utility regulation, labor and employment law, environmental regulation, real property, construction law, securities, finance, compensation and benefits, legislation, litigation, information technology, intellectual property, telecommunications, privacy and data protection law; develop preventative law programs including training to assist operational managers and their staffs in the handling of their work; advise officers, managers and employees regarding new laws, legal trends, cases and policies pertinent to the Companies.
• Provides work direction and/or monitor work performed by outside attorneys to ensure use of the same is efficient and provides high value; assist in monitoring and managing outside counsel costs, including invoice reviews. Direct, provide guidance to and monitor work of Legal Department Legal Assistants.
• Participates as a legal adviser on task forces, committees and special projects, providing creative problem-solving and strategic direction as appropriate, with minimal oversight from supervisor. Effectively communicate with senior management on complex legal issues and risks, including preparing and delivering presentations. Advocate the companies' positions externally.
• Assists in the development of the companies' policies, procedures, and strategies, providing creative problem-solving and strategic direction as appropriate, with minimal oversight from supervisor. In addition, assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures and systems for provision of legal services and monitoring of potential areas requiring legal review.
• Handles routine matters in court or before governmental administrative agencies with minimal oversight from supervisor.
• Provides such other services as attorney's abilities, education, and experiences enable attorney to perform. Other duties as assigned.
• Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge Requirements

• Law degree, membership in the Hawaii State Bar Association and license to practice law in Hawaii (license to practice law and in good standing in another state will suffice pending admission to Hawaii bar).
• Demonstrates broad knowledge of energy law and/or law applicable to one or more specialized practice areas listed in job requirements.
• Thorough knowledge in commercial and business law (particularly contract law) with particular attention to the interplay between a multitude of priorities, potential conflicting goals and identified of risks, including management of such risks to acceptable levels.
• General knowledge and familiarity with the other legal areas listed in the job requirements.

Skills Requirements

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, maintain a high level of attention to details, meet deadlines and deliver high quality work product with minimal oversight by supervisor.
• Ability to make mature, experienced business and legal judgments and apply strategic thinking.
• Ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, logically and succinctly (both verbally and in writing) for a variety of audiences in appropriate language (business and/or technical).
• Demonstrates a commitment to the Company's Core Values (Safety, Aloha, Integrity and Excellence).
• Demonstrates a strong customer (internal and external) orientation and the ability to generate strong internal client satisfaction.
• Competency in key areas of management and leadership expertise including: superior interpersonal skills, effective relationship and conflict management skills, communication skills, and ability to guide and motivate others in the organization.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and oversee multiple projects and remain flexible in a demanding and dynamic work environment.
• Ability to maintain direction and focus and display objectivity and a positive attitude even when placed under stressful conditions.
• Ability to be a team player, work collaboratively, and delegating work and responsibilities as appropriate.
• Ability to mentor and train others.
• In depth analytical, organizational and conceptual skills to handle various projects and programs.
• Ability to identify, analyze and research legal issues affecting the Companies, and make recommendations to resolve or address the issues. Ability to identify legal options and provide creative solutions

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of legal experience required, with a minimum of three years of concentration in one or more of the specialized practice areas listed in the job requirements.

Role: PROFESSIONAL
Number of Vacancies: 1
Location: Honolulu - Oahu
Hiring Range: The hiring range for the Associate General Counsel position is $119,500 - $156,250. The hiring range for the Senior Associate General Counsel position is $137,400 - $179,600. The person selected will be placed according to his/her skills and qualifications. The hiring supervisor is WENDEE M HILDERBRAND.
Interested individuals who are employees of affiliate companies should apply online. The application must clearly indicate the demonstrated experience/knowledge/skills/abilities the candidate possesses which specifically qualifies him/her for the position.
Applicant Certification
By submitting an application for the position, candidates:
1. Authorize the Hawaiian Electric Companies to confirm all statements contained in the application and/or any materials submitted and made a part of the application as they relate to the position and to the extent permitted by law;
2. Authorize and consent to, without reservation, the Hawaiian Electric Companies sharing any and all information regarding previous or present employment, educational training or personal information from their records and from any other source with the hiring department or subsidiary company;
3. Release, discharge, and hold harmless, Hawaiian Electric Companies, from any and all liability for any damage which may be claimed as a result of furnishing such information to the hiring department or subsidiary company;
4. Authorizes release and transfer of all personnel records to be maintained by the hiring company in the event of an inter-company transfer; and
5. Authorize, direct, and consent to Hawaiian Electric Companies and/or its authorized agents to conduct investigations into candidates' background. These investigations may include, but are not limited to searches for information about applicants; record of criminal convictions to the extent permitted by law, education records, professional certifications, personal character references, and employment history.
EEO StatementHawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543-4848.
Affiliate Disclaimer
The relationship between Hawaiian Electric and unregulated, energy-related affiliate companies is governed by the Affiliate Transaction Requirements (ATRs) established by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The ATRs were established with the PUC's Decision and Order No. 35962 issued on December 19, 2018, and subsequently modified by Order No. 36112, issued on January 24, 2019, in Docket No. 2018-0065. With Decision and Order No. 42409, issued on March 23, 2026, in Docket No. 2025-0391, the PUC indefinitely suspended certain sections of the ATRs.
The ATRs address many issues related to Hawaiian Electric's interactions and trans