Corporate Counsel - Regulatory

ERCOT • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career. ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future. At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career. ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future. JOB SUMMARY As the independent system operator (ISO) for the power system that serves the majority of Texas, ERCOT is responsible for operating and planning the ERCOT transmission grid and administering the ERCOT wholesale power market, among other critical functions. The ERCOT Legal Department is seeking an experienced attorney to join its team at the Corporate Counsel or Senior Corporate Counsel level. The ideal candidate will have relevant regulatory and industry experience, excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a keen interest in supporting ERCOT in its critical roles. The successful candidate will provide legal support and advice to the organization on regulatory matters and advocate on behalf of ERCOT, including representing ERCOT in regulatory, legislative, and judicial matters. The ideal candidate will also keep abreast of regulatory and legislative requirements with potential impact on the organization. JOB DUTIES Understands and applies principles, theories, and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT’s culture. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Impact is generally limited to specific assignments or projects. May respond to inquiries and/or provide assistance and/or guidance to lower-level workers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: Any discipline (Required)
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school (Required)
• Active member of the State Bar of Texas in good standing (Required)

Nice To Haves

• Senior Corporate Counsel – Regulatory: Requires minimum 5 years job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Prefer 8+ years of job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and counsel to internal clients with respect to stakeholder committee activities, regulatory proceedings, regulatory compliance, and legislative and regulatory risk management
• Reviews and revises Nodal Protocol Revision Requests (NPRRs) and other types of Revision Requests, ERCOT staff comments regarding Revision Requests, and Impact Analyses (IAs) of Revision Requests
• Contributes to representation of ERCOT in regulatory proceedings before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and other forums, as needed
• Monitors and tracks relevant legislative matters and any applicable governmental proceedings
• Contributes to the writing, editing, and publishing of various reports and filings required by PUCT rules and ERCOT Protocols
• Develops comments regarding proposed rule changes in PUCT rulemaking proceedings
• Reviews and interprets ERCOT Protocols, Nodal Operating Guides, Planning Guides, and other relevant documents for internal clients and in response to external inquiries
• Performs legal research on issues involving state or federal law relating to ERCOT’s functions and drafts memoranda for management
• Participates in audits and other compliance activities as required by internal controls, ERCOT market rules, or state and federal laws, rules, or standards
• Participates in the preparation of materials for Board of Directors and Board committee meetings
• May oversee legal aspects of public information requests, ensuring that requests are answered fully and in a timely manner, while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information
• May represent ERCOT in administrative proceedings and/or lawsuits, including document preparation, discovery, strategy, and advocacy
• Responsibilities are commensurate with experience and senior level counsel may lead major projects and proceedings

Benefits

• ERCOT offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, long/short-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan.
• The medical, dental, vision, and quality-of-life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none.
• Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Additionally, 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree