Senior Counsel or Assistant General Counsel (Nuclear)

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The position will serve as the lead attorney for all nuclear-related legal and regulatory issues within the utility’s generation portfolio. This role supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of AEP’s existing Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant and provides legal guidance for the licensing, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The position requires deep expertise in nuclear regulatory law and a strong understanding of the operational and strategic priorities of a vertically integrated electric utility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Eight plus years of experience as a practicing attorney in private practice or in a corporate legal department.
At least five years of nuclear-related legal experience preferably with a law firm, corporate legal department, or on the staff of a regulatory body, such as the NRC or DOE.
Active license to practice law in state in which position is located (Ohio or Michigan). For Ohio, eligibility to practice as Ohio corporate counsel is also acceptable.
Strong knowledge of the Atomic Energy Act, NRC regulations, and other federal and state laws governing nuclear energy.
Experience with NRC licensing processes and familiarity with utility regulatory frameworks, including rate recovery and cost prudency considerations.
Experience working at or advising an electric utility with nuclear generation assets, including on contracting and related claims, fuel procurement and spent fuel claims, litigation, licensing and license renewal, operations, export controls, and security.
Experience with (a) preparing briefs, motions, case evaluation summaries and other documents as required by the nature of a case, (b) helping prepare witnesses for testimony, (c) conducting hearings in federal and/or administrative courts, and (d) preparing filings before federal and/or state government bodies related to nuclear matters.
Excellent advocacy, negotiation and written communication skills.
Ability to promote teamwork and build relationships within the legal and business unit teams to get work accomplished
Ability to relate to many different constituencies in a positive, proactive manner that will engender confidence from company management, employees, public utilities commissions and other industry groups.
Problem solver coupled with good conflict resolution skills.
Ability for initiative and working independently of direct supervision

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations, ensuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations and other applicable federal and state laws.
Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to the siting, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities and SMRs.
Provide legal support for NRC licensing activities, including license renewals and amendments.
Support litigation matters involving plant operations, including spent fuel claims and employee-related matters.
Support employee concerns program.
Provide legal consultation and guidance on nuclear export control matters under the jurisdiction of the NRC (Part 110), the National Nuclear Security Administration (Part 810), and the Department of Commerce.
Support contracting matters for the Cook Plant, including service contracts, staff augmentation, warranty claims, contract disputes, and nuclear fuel procurement.
Monitor and interpret changes in nuclear regulatory law and policy, advising internal stakeholders on implications and compliance strategies.
Support the utility’s interactions with the NRC, Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state public utility commissions.
Collaborate with internal departments including nuclear operations, engineering, environmental, and regulatory affairs to ensure legal risks are identified and mitigated.
Draft and review legal documents including contracts, services agreements, nuclear fuel agreements, regulatory filings, internal policies, proposed legislation, and compliance reports.
Provide legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders on nuclear regulatory and compliance matters.