Associate Attorney I - II

Lansing Board of Water & Light; United States; On-site; USD 69,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

11 paid holidays

On-site fitness centers

Free parking

Job summary

The Lansing Board of Water & Light is seeking an entry-level Associate Attorney I to prosecute and defend civil lawsuits, draft and negotiate transactional documents, and provide written and oral legal advice to employer and staff on rights and issues. Strong writing and research skills required.

This role requires a JD, Michigan Bar membership, and knowledge of municipal, utility, and administrative law. The position offers competitive starting salaries and extensive benefits in Lansing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Must be member in good standing of the Michigan State Bar.
• General knowledge of municipal, utility and administrative law.

Responsibilities

• Prosecutes and defends civil lawsuits as needed.
• Drafts and negotiates transactional legal documents.
• Advises employer and staff on legal rights and issues.
• Represents employer in court or before government agencies.
• Prepare opinions on legal compliance and policy documents.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctorate

Michigan Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $107,000.00 - $131,700.00 Starting Salary: Associate Attorney I: $68,600 - $81,600 Associate Attorney II: $104,400 - $128,500

Position Summary

This is an entry level position. Prosecutes and defends civil lawsuits, drafts and negotiates transactional legal documents, provides written and oral advice to employer and utility staff as to legal rights and issues. Reviews policies and other documents. Performs legal research on various subject matters.

Essential Functions

• Advises employer concerning the legality and liability associated with business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, and other legal rights and obligations.
• Conducts witness interviews and investigations.
• Evaluates findings, recommends strategy, and prepares legal arguments.
• Keeps updated on statutes, judicial decisions, regulations, and ordinances.
• Conducts all work under the supervision of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.
• Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations.
• Prepares, files, and argues legal motions and briefs.
• Prepares and drafts legal documents, such as deeds, easements, leases, and contracts.
• Prepares opinions on legal compliance.
• Represents employer in court, quasi-judicial bodies, or before governmental agencies.
• Drafts corporate policy documents.
• Advises employer and internal clients.
• Does multiple tasks efficiently as to meet deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Expected to comply with all BWL policies and work rules.
• Reliable and predictable attendance.

Job Specifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Must be member in good standing of the Michigan State Bar.
• General knowledge of municipal law, utility law and administrative law.
• Must possess and apply a broad knowledge of legal matters and the law to the completion of assignments.
• Knowledge and ability to prepare and file motions, briefs, and memoranda, as well as appear in court on behalf of employer.
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to multitask under tight time constraints.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word.
• Fundamental Legal Writing Skills Experience conducting legal and computer-assisted legal research.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise exceptional discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data from computerized, typed, and written sources.
• Ability to interact with governmental agencies.

Preferred

• Prior experience practicing law.
• Familiarity with laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances governing public entities.
• Prior experience in areas of law relevant to energy, government or business (e.g., administrative, employment, or environmental law).

Additional Responsibilities & Requirements

Associate Attorney II: Starting Salary $104,400 - 128,500

In addition to this level: This is an intermediate level position requiring prior experience and the ability to perform duties and responsibilities of the position with a moderate level of supervision and oversight. Represents employer in court or before quasi-judicial tribunals or administrative agencies of government.

Essential Functions: Coordinates, as needed, under supervision of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.

Required: This intermediate level position requires a minimum of four years of post-bar admission legal experience. Experience in areas of law relevant to energy, government, or business, e.g. administrative, employment or environmental law. Increasing ability to operate independently of supervision; demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of law (e.g. employment, contract, litigation); manage all the tasks within that area of expertise.

Must possess and apply a broad knowledge of legal matters and the law to the completion of assignments. Knowledge and ability to prepare and file motions, briefs, and memoranda, as well as appear in court on behalf of employer. Strong writing and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to multitask under tight time constraints. Experience conducting legal and computer- assisted legal research. Additional requirements as listed on the full description.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs. Constantly works in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
• Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.
• Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.
• Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year. Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.
• Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more!

About BWL

The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

Location

The Location: Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Lansing Board of Water & Light is a municipally-owned public utility that provides safe, reliable and affordable utility products and services to around 100,000 electric and 58,000 water customers throughout the greater Lansing area. Our mission is to is to provide a safe, reliable and affordable utility experience through public ownership, climate consciousness and innovative strategies.