Attorney III

Aqua America, Inc.; Bryn Mawr (PA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua America, Inc. is seeking an Attorney III/Sr. Counsel to act as the primary legal advisor for specified business units. This role involves providing guidance on contracts, acquisitions, legal proceedings, and more.

The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate, at least ten years of legal experience, and be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. The position requires strong analytical and communication skills, emphasizing team collaboration and adaptability.

The role may involve approximately 10% travel to various Aqua work sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of legal practice experience, preferably in the utility industry.
• Minimum two years’ experience in a corporate environment required.
• Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel regarding company affairs.
• Review laws and regulations affecting the Company’s business.
• Prepare, negotiate, and review contracts and other documents.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication

Analytical skills

Advocacy skills

Team player

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Tools

MS Office (Word, Outlook)

Online legal research tools

Job description

About Essential Utilities

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, delivers safe, clean, reliable water and wastewater services across eight states and is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and a superior customer experience. We serve approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states and protect more than 7,600 acres of natural lands.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Attorney III/Sr. Counsel to report to the VP and Sr. Managing Counsel. This role is the primary legal advisor to specified business units and subsidiaries, providing guidance on contracts, acquisitions, litigation, employee matters, real estate transactions, and public utility matters.

Essential Duties

• Provide legal advice and counsel regarding company affairs as the primary responsible legal counsel to specified business units of the Company, including advice on contracts, acquisitions, litigation, employee matters, real estate transactions and public utility matters (excluding rate cases).
• Review laws and regulations affecting the Company’s business and utility operations and provide guidance to management on such matters.
• Act as the primary in‑house legal expert for certain legal affairs of the Company as designated in conjunction with the General Counsel.
• Prepare, negotiate, and review contracts and other documents to be executed by the Company, in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, utility service requirements, and internal procedures.
• Draft, negotiate, and review documents in preparation of Company acquisitions and related regulatory approvals.
• Retain and manage outside legal counsel for specific projects, acquisitions, litigation, corporate activities, and daily operation of the Company.
• Serve as primary responsible legal counsel to certain subsidiaries and/or geographic regions as designated by the General Counsel.
• Formulate and/or review policies and procedures to guide operating departments on legal‑related issues.
• Work on special projects at the request of various Company officers and coordinate between various Company departments.
• Manage the legal matter management, case tracking, e‑billing, and analytics systems for the company.
• Provide periodic reports to various Company officers on matters of interest.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree required.
• Minimum ten (10) years of legal practice experience; utility industry preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a corporate environment required.
• Experience with corporate transactional work and mergers & acquisitions (utility industry preferred).
• Experience leading an acquisition from inception to closing.
• Experience leading due diligence, drafting and negotiating acquisition documents, and overseeing outside counsel.
• Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding ethics; supports Aqua’s core values of Integrity, Respect, and Pursuit of Excellence.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Outlook, etc.) and online legal research tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team player able to work effectively in a multi‑tasking environment.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Approximately 10% travel to Aqua work sites of Bryn Mawr and other locations beyond Bryn Mawr, representing Aqua.

Equal Opportunity / Affirmitive Action Employer

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.