Senior Staff Attorney - Open Records / Litigation

Philadelphia Gas Works•Philadelphia, PA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the nation, supplying gas service in the City of Philadelphia to over 500,000 customers. PGW is dedicated to becoming the Greenest Natural Gas Delivery Company in the region. The Senior Staff Attorney – Open Records/Litigation receives and responds to records requests received by PGW including but not limited to requests under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law and serves as PGW’s Open Records Officer. The Senior Staff Attorney also reviews and prepares litigation materials and various other documents, advises and represents the company in a variety of legal matters which may include but not be limited to open records, regulatory, litigation, collections, bankruptcy, labor, municipal, energy and other areas requiring legal counseling and/or assistance. The Senior Attorney coordinates matters referred to outside law firms and handles matters that are more complex with greater potential liability or recovery than matters handled by the Staff Attorney. Assists manager in the development of staff by providing input to manager on reviews, determining suitability for special assignments, and identifying training needs.

Requirements

Must be a law school graduate with an LLB or JD degree
Must be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.
5 or more years of experience working with laws and regulations related to open records, litigation, commercial, energy, and/or regulatory law.
Must have analytical and communication skills to interpret and translate complex legal terms into written and verbal forms that are easily understood by all levels of staff.
Must have leadership ability with a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions to provide guidance to lower-level peer group and assist Legal Department in identifying the best people for special assignments and advancement.

Nice To Haves

Practice before governmental/regulatory agencies such as the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, PUC, Gas Commission, City of Philadelphia, FERC, City Council, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice on matters affecting the interests of PGW primarily as it relates to a variety of legal matters which may include but not be limited to open records and records management, regulatory, litigation, municipal, energy and other areas requiring legal counseling and/or assistance etc.; prepare appropriate related legal documents.
Serve as PGW’s Open Records Officer and responds to records requests received by PGW including but not limited to requests under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.
Research appropriate legal opinions, rulings and findings to provide the soundest legal advice regarding company matters.
Advise and actively represents PGW in negotiations, administrative and court actions as assigned; prepare appropriate legal documents associated with these processes.
Assignments may include but are not limited to: Pennsylvania Office of Open Records matters, Public Utility Commission (PUC) matters, Customer Service hearings, Rates and Budget administrative proceedings, Gas Commission hearings, Legislative matters, FERC matters, General litigation.
Analyze and interpret federal, state and local statutes, case law, ordinances, legislation and regulations to determine their application to company business procedures, policy and practices.
Advise management and represent legal perspective on new and proposed changes to company policies, procedures and practices.
Consult with other departments as necessary to carry out assigned responsibilities.
Perform other special projects and assignments as requested.