VP Legal

American Electric Power•Tulsa, OK

1d•$221,489 - $287,935•Onsite

About The Position

Leads the Operating Company’s legal and regulatory strategy, providing business-focused legal counsel, managing regulatory risk, advocating before state commissions and legislatures, and coordinating with Corporate Legal and outside counsel on contracts, compliance, litigation, and other legal matters. Partners with regulatory leadership to support company objectives and ensure effective legal coverage across jurisdictions.

Requirements

LLB or Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
Admitted to practice law in the appropriate jurisdiction.
At least 15 years of progressive responsible legal experience, including leadership of a broad legal portfolio and meaningful experience in utility regulation, commercial transactions, contracts, real estate, litigation management and the effective use of outside counsel.
Expert understanding of state regulatory laws, tariffs and policy.

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience in state government related to energy policy.
Extensive experience working with regulators and policymakers.
An in-depth understanding of the company’s regulatory positions and regulatory finances.
Experience drafting legislation regarding electric utility regulation is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with AEP Corporate Legal to establish and lead the Operating Company’s overall legal strategy providing practical, business-oriented counsel to leadership across the full range of legal matters affecting operations, strategic priorities, regulatory obligations and risk.
Develop, implement and coordinate tactical plans to implement legal strategy in support of regulatory and policy objectives at the State Commission and the Legislature.
Anticipate regulatory issues and proactively identify legal solutions and opportunities that limit regulatory risk and leverage regulatory opportunities.
Engage directly and personally in advocacy before the State Utility Commission and the Legislature body on legal matters in support of company strategy.
Maintain sufficient knowledge across the legal matters affecting the Operating Company to identify risks and, provide initial guidance so that specialized AEP Corporate Legal resources and/or outside counsel can be engaged.
Work directly with AEP Corporate Legal resources to provide guidance on commercial agreements, real estate matters, litigation, compliance and other legal matters, coordinating with the AEP Corporate Legal and outside counsel as appropriate.
Establish an effective division of responsibilities between the Vice President and the Operating Company’s Regulatory attorney, including shared responsibility for regulatory proceedings across the Operating Company’s jurisdictions and appropriate coverage of contracts and other general legal matters.