Deputy General Counsel

Grant County Public Utility District•Ephrata, WA

1d•$244,228 - $444,408•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy General Counsel is a newly created senior legal advisor and partner to the General Counsel, who plans to retire in 2027. Under the General Counsel’s direction and in coordination with the CEO, this role provides professional, accurate, objective, and timely legal advice on local, state, and federal law, regulation, and litigation, consistent with the professional obligations of public attorneys. The Deputy General Counsel supports complex business transactions; assists with reviewing, preparing, and negotiating contracts and other legal documents; helps manage legal risk; and represents Grant PUD on legal matters as requested. The position may act on behalf of the General Counsel as assigned or delegated to support continuity of legal services. The role provides senior-level counsel and representation to Grant PUD leadership, staff, and, when assigned or delegated, the Board of Commissioners. It leads and supports complex legal, regulatory, transactional, governance, compliance, and litigation matters; manages legal operations and outside counsel; and helps improve processes. The Deputy General Counsel may also act for the General Counsel during absences or as otherwise delegated, coordinating legal resources and supporting timely, cost-effective legal advice. The position requires developing extensive knowledge of Grant PUD’s operations and business processes, and the ability to manage diverse and complex work situations, understand the legal and business-wide implications of decisions, and motivate and develop staff. The position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Most work is performed in a standard office setting, with onsite work at assigned Business Unit locations. The typical shift is eight hours.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited school of law.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience providing legal counsel, opinions, and advice in a highly regulated environment, such as utilities or comparable industries including telecommunications, financial services, transportation, airlines, healthcare, public sector organizations, or similar industries.
Active license to practice law in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction and active membership in the Washington State Bar Association, or eligibility and ability to obtain WSBA admission within one year of hire.
Ability to develop extensive knowledge of Grant PUD operations, long-term power contracts, business processes, enterprise-wide business systems, business intelligence concepts and technologies, strategic planning procedures, accounting principles, and analytic techniques.
Ability to manage a wide diversity of complex work situations and understand the legal and business-wide implications of decisions and recommendations.
Ability to motivate and develop staff and foster a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in one or more of the following areas: contracts, real estate, construction, human resources, environmental law, liability claims, or litigation.
More than seven years of progressively responsible experience providing legal counsel, opinions, and advice in a highly regulated environment.
Legal experience in the electric utility industry.
Legal experience with a publicly owned utility.

Responsibilities

Provide senior-level legal counsel and representation to Grant PUD, including the General Counsel, CEO, executive leadership, staff, and, as assigned or delegated, the Board of Commissioners.
Lead and support assigned complex legal, regulatory, transactional, governance, compliance, and litigation matters; coordinate with outside counsel and subject matter specialists; develop legal strategy; review legal work and products; and advise on risk mitigation.
Manage legal matters and operations, including intake, files, documentation, budgets, and outside counsel, and support process improvements.
Serve on assigned teams to support policy, strategy, training, and efficient processes.
Stay current on relevant laws and regulations and advise staff and Commissioners on changes and compliance obligations.
Draft, negotiate, and review Grant PUD contracts, documents, and resolutions, and support their proper execution.
Attend Board meetings and represent Grant PUD at meetings, conferences, and events as assigned.
Perform other duties as directed by the General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, consistent with legal and ethical standards.
Act on behalf of the General Counsel during planned or unplanned absences, or as assigned or delegated, to maintain continuity of legal advice and services to the CEO, Board of Commissioners, and PUD staff.
Assist with and, as delegated, direct and administer legal services for the Board of Commissioners, CEO, and PUD staff, including prioritizing legal work, coordinating legal resources, supervising outside counsel, and supporting timely, cost-effective legal advice.
Demonstrate commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD / IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence, and behave in alignment with these priorities.
Understand and adhere to applicable compliance requirements, including laws, regulations, security guidelines, and Grant PUD policies and procedures.
Participate in all aspects of the safety program by following safety policies and procedures, alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe conditions, reporting safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours, and accepting feedback on safety performance.