Corporate Counsel

Primary Role

Director, Corporate Counsel providing legal counsel and risk advice to Indiana American, Kentucky American and Tennessee American in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to: real estate (purchase and sale, easements, rights of way, etc.), contracts, litigation, customer complaints, investigations, utility regulation issues, acquisitions and business development, environmental law, and day-to-day operational issues as they arise. Must be physically located in Indiana, Kentucky or Tennessee or willing to relocate.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide advice and counsel on a pro-active basis to executives, senior managers and employees in respect to legal issues affecting the business.
• Advise management and represent the three state entities on a broad range of regulatory, legislative, and corporate and commercial issues, including rates and regulatory matters before state public utility commissions.
• Coordinate and manage outside counsel to represent the three states in judicial and administrative proceedings, including such matters as general litigation and administrative hearings before courts and administrative tribunals; prepare or review the preparation of briefs and other documents and the development of strategy for litigation and regulatory proceedings to ensure high quality, value-added, cost-effective legal services consistent with the company’s overall business strategy.
• Negotiate, draft and review contracts and other legal and transactional documents for the operating companies; review, evaluate and make recommendations regarding potential business transactions.
• Provide training to the business on a variety of legal matters and issues.
• Support the three states’ General Counsel and Senior Director Corporate Counsel in building the capabilities of the legal team.
• Assist in providing legislative/regulatory evaluations and advice, including the drafting of proposed legislation or changes thereto and possibly providing explanation of the organization’s position on such matters for legislators and governmental administrators.
• Perform other projects as assigned by the General Counsel and Senior Director.
• Broad knowledge of utility regulatory law and the utility regulatory framework.
• Broad knowledge of corporate law and general corporate governance principles.
• Ability to work well on a variety of teams.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Work effectively with all levels within the organization as well as key external stakeholders.

Knowledge/Skills

Expertise in practice areas relevant to the business; i.e., public utility laws and regulations, litigation, commercial transactions, property, contracts, environmental, mergers & acquisitions, and administrative law.

Experience/Education

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Indiana, Kentucky, or Tennessee bar and able to meet all requirements to obtain in-house license in the other states within one year of the hire date.
• Minimum of five years of in-depth experience in several of the legal areas listed above obtained within a law firm, in house, government or a combination of experience from these areas.
• Experience effectively handling a variety of matters displaying strong business acumen
• Proven ability to successfully support the business and legal needs of clients
• Experience in providing timely and effective practical legal advice and services
• Able to effectively spot legal issues and determine practical, workable options for resolving them
• Results-focused experience and ability to prioritize items in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Detail-oriented and able to effectively provide client-oriented service while protecting the organization.
• Experience before a state utility commission or other state administrative agency desirable.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel for meetings and events, primarily within IN, KY and TN.

Work Environment

Office in Greenwood, Indiana; Chattanooga, Tennessee; or Lexington, Kentucky American Water location.

Other

•  Able to handle a variety of ongoing projects simultaneously

•  Able to work effectively with minimal supervision

•  Excellent judgment in determining when and how to elevate matters

•  Strong verbal and written communication skills

•  Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills

•  Self-starter, takes initiative to respond to and address legal issues

•  Functions effectively both in individual and team environments

•  Able to work collaboratively with strong interpersonal skills

Competencies