Senior Associate — Oil, Gas & Energy Law

D'Empaire Reyna Abogados is seeking a Senior Associate for its Oil, Gas & Energy practice in Caracas. You will advise national and international energy companies on upstream and downstream petroleum transactions, regulatory compliance under Venezuela's Organic Hydrocarbons Law (Ley Orgánica de Hidrocarburos), and joint ventures with PDVSA subsidiaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Structure and negotiate joint venture agreements, service contracts, and operating agreements for oil and gas projects in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo basin
• Advise on compliance with the Organic Hydrocarbons Law and Ministry of Petroleum regulations
• Draft and review concession agreements, farmout agreements, and production-sharing contracts
• Represent clients before the Ministry of Popular Power for Petroleum and PDVSA in regulatory proceedings
• Coordinate with international counsel on cross-border energy transactions and sanctions compliance

• Lead deal execution on energy transactions for the Caracas office
• Mentor mid-level associates and paralegals on energy matters
• Develop client relationships with international oil companies operating in Venezuela
• Contribute to thought leadership on Venezuelan energy law reform

• Law degree (Abogado) from a Venezuelan university recognised by the Ministry of Education
• Registered with the Inpreabogado (Venezuelan Bar)
• 7-10 years post-qualification experience in oil, gas, and energy law
• Fluent in Spanish and English (bilingual drafting required)
• Strong knowledge of the Organic Hydrocarbons Law and Venezuelan energy regulatory framework