Counsel-Litigation

NiSource • Columbus, OH

4d • $133,400 - $200,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

NiSource Counsel provides legal advice to business partners on complex matters combining knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen and knowledge of business goals & objectives. The NiSource Litigation team protects the Company by providing enterprise-wide counsel throughout NiSource Inc.’s six-state operating footprint on disputes, litigation, breach of contracts, claims, investigations, emergency incidents, subpoenas and other matters involving significant legal or business risk. The team develops and executes case and trial strategy, advises on complex litigation, claims and pre-litigation disputes, and directs outside counsel and experts. In partnership with business leaders and other Legal practice groups, the team resolves disputes, controls costs, reduces future risk and strengthens business practices through lessons learned and corrective action.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
• 1-3 year's Experience with handling matters independently
• Able to handle case responsibilities with some supervision
• Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics
• 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
• Ability to work efficiently under time pressures and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment
• Strong, interpersonal skills, including ability to engender trust, respect and confidence to counsel & work closely with business partners
• Strong oral, written & presentation communications skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, and interactions between state and federal laws and agencies
• Problem solving skills
• Adaptable to changing environments
• Emergency coverage, overtime and some travel required
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of civil litigation experience, including significant claims, investigations, pre-litigation disputes, subpoenas or discovery
• Experience developing case and trial strategy and evaluating complex claims
• Experience with emergency or incident response and evidence preservation, with the ability to provide dedicated 24/7 legal support during assigned on-call rotations supporting NiSource Inc.’s six-state operating footprint
• Experience managing outside counsel, experts and matter budgets
• Ability to partner across functions and communicate legal and business risk
• Experience with environmental matters, including related claims, investigations or litigation
• Experience in the utility industry or other regulated industry
• Experience at a law firm or publicly traded corporation

Responsibilities

• Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, business-savvy legal advice and counsel
• Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues and provides applicable legal advice
• Retains and supervises/manages outside counsel on select matters
• Communicates with business partners regarding status updates
• Reviews and revises legal documents
• Negotiates with outside parties on contractual issues and legal disputes
• Assists in training business partners on legal issues
• Manages assigned litigation, significant claims, investigations, subpoenas and pre-litigation disputes from initial assessment through resolution.
• Develops case and resolution strategy and coordinates outside counsel, experts, discovery and matter budgets.
• Supports emergency and post-incident response, including evidence preservation and transition to ongoing claim or litigation management.

Benefits

• As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

What This Job Offers

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