ASSOCIATE LEGAL COUNSEL - CONSUMER PROTECTION

State of Illinois•Berwyn, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel - Consumer Protection to join its Consumer Protection team within the Legal Bureau. This role will focus on the Agency's expanding consumer protection initiatives for the Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All solar incentive programs. The position involves public policy discussions, developing implementation strategies, and administering renewable incentive programs. The Associate Legal Counsel will collaborate with the Deputy Legal Counsel for Consumer Protection, other team members, Agency staff, and third-party Program Administrators on various consumer protection matters. Responsibilities will primarily center on consumer protection within state-administered incentive programs but may extend to other legal and consumer protection assignments as needed by the Agency. The IPA is an independent state agency established in 2007 to manage electricity procurement plans, renewable resources procurement plans, and procurement events to ensure reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for Illinois customers. The Agency also manages programs promoting renewable energy development in line with the State Renewable Portfolio Standard.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Illinois bar. The Agency will also consider applications from individuals with pending membership in Illinois bar, or membership in another state bar and willingness to take the Illinois bar exam within 6 months.
Experience in the energy, environmental, consumer protection, and/or public interest fields.
Motivated independent worker, comfortable taking the lead on assigned issues.
Strong legal research, writing (especially persuasive writing), and editing skills.
Attention to detail, ability to become familiar with technical and complex information on short time frames.
Strong critical thinking and analytic skills.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment.

Nice To Haves

At least two (2) years of experience with renewable energy programs or development, consumer protection, administrative law, or public interest fields.

Responsibilities

Assist the legal team and Agency staff in the design and implementation of consumer protection-related updates and new initiatives, including the development of relevant processes, standards, and requirements.
Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel for Consumer Protection in the development and litigation of consumer protection content in the biennial revisions to the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and/or other future planning processes.
Support updates to various program requirements and documents, including developing and drafting proposals, administering stakeholder feedback processes, and drafting rationale documents.
Draft and/or review disciplinary and pre-disciplinary notices and letters related to program violations and appeals and assist in related investigations.
Assist in the development of compliance plans for participating solar developers that have violated program requirements.
Review marketing materials, training materials, and compliance documents created by program participants to ensure program requirements are met.
Develop, review, and update consumer education materials, including webpages, Disclosure Forms, and other resources.
Identify and assist in developing strategies to address existing and emerging consumer protection issues.
Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel in researching and formulating guidance on legal issues regarding consumer protection initiatives.
Participate in Agency-level policy discussions; work directly with Agency management; gather and provide information to the Director and Chief Legal Counsel for review; coordinate with staff and consultants in review and analysis of Agency programs to ensure consumer protection objectives are met.
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.