Assistant General Counsel

NiSource•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel ("AGC") – Regulatory reports to the Deputy General Counsel - Regulatory. The AGC is responsible for managing, supporting, challenging, directing and holding their direct reports accountable through clear, consistent and aligned communication, strategic growth and development opportunities to help them excel in their current or future job responsibilities; as well as planning and supporting the development of individual skills and abilities, through the provision of resources to support such efforts. The AGC is expected to understand NiSource's business and be able to identify and analyze issues that impact the operation, execution and success of the business; and provide strategic practical advice and solutions to address identified concerns through cooperative means in partnership with internal business clients. The AGC should also serve to drive the organization to achieve strategic objectives by leveraging and supporting the capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, styles and abilities; and be a catalyst for helping the business to embrace organizational and cultural transformations for its betterment.

Requirements

Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school
10+ years of experience of advice and counsel in Ohio public utility regulatory matters
Practice area subject-matter expert in Ohio natural gas regulation
Exemplary personal & professional integrity, business judgment, and business ethics
High level of engagement and leadership
Ability to work with cross-functional teams, to take a leadership role in driving solutions, and to work under pressure to meet short deadlines
Ability to balance the legal issues of a project with the goals of the business through the demonstration of strong, pragmatic business acumen and the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice
Strong, logical legal mind with the ability to apply abstract concepts of law to make timely, well- reasoned and appropriate decisions to solve problems
Strong advocacy and negotiation skills, able to find winning solutions
Ability to function autonomously yet understands necessity of advising management of work progress and any unusual situations under time pressures in a fast-paced environment
Ability to establish & nurture relationships by engendering trust, respect and confidence in order to advise senior leadership
Skilled at managing large, complex legal projects while prioritizing and planning timely completion of multiple simultaneous tasks
Ability to develop complex strategies for case management and resolution
Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of the organization
Risk analysis and quantification skills
Excellent writing and research skills
Advanced drafting skills
Budgeting and forecasting skills
Attention to detail
Teamwork and leadership skills
Adaptable to changing environments
Commitment to diversity and a respect for others
Overtime and some travel required
Licensed to practice law in at least one state in the U.S. and a member of good standing with the state bar Upon Hire
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Kentucky public utility matters with the state regulatory commission
Experience working with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gas matters
Licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and a member of good standing with the Ohio Bar
Experience in the Utility industry or other regulated industry is strongly preferred
Experience in a supervisory capacity
Foundational experience as a lawyer either in-house in the energy sector or at a large law firm

Responsibilities

Leads and develops a team of legal professionals who are state and/or federal gas regulatory attorneys for Ohio and Kentucky.
Manages complex, high risk state and/or federal regulatory and business matters.
Establishes working rapport with state and/or federal regulators and staff
Understands business issues and works with clients to develop strategies to reduce potential areas of risk for natural gas operating companies.
Retains and supervises regulatory outside counsel.
Manages relationships with and acts as a liaison between business partners and outside counsel.
Negotiates with outside parties on state regulatory proceedings.
Assists in training of lawyers in practice area related issues.
Trains clients on legal issues in the practice area.
Provides direction and guidance to team members.
Works collaboratively with legal department colleagues.
Assists with department management including hiring, providing performance reviews, approving time and expenses, and resolving personnel issues.