Counsel-Litigation

NiSource Inc.; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. in Columbus, OH or Merrillville, IN is seeking a Counsel-Litigation to provide enterprise-wide legal counsel on disputes, contracts, and regulatory matters. The role offers a hybrid schedule with three days in the office and requires Juris Doctor and 1-3 years’ independent experience.

You will manage outside counsel, develop case strategy, and advise business partners while upholding high integrity and business acumen in a multi-state utility environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• 1-3 years' experience handling matters independently.
• Ability to balance the legal issues of a project with the goals of the business through pragmatic business acumen and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Resolves legal issues with proactive, business-savvy counsel.
• Retains and supervises outside counsel on select matters.
• Negotiates contractual issues and legal disputes.
• Manages assigned litigation, significant claims, investigations, subpoenas and pre-litigation disputes from initial assessment through resolution.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Legal research

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Counsel-Litigation

• We are looking to hire someone to work in either our Merrillville, Indiana or Columbus, Ohio office-with a hybrid schedule (3 days/week in office)

Job Summary

NiSource Counsel provides legal advice to business partners on complex matters combining knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen and knowledge of business goals & objectives.

Team Profile and Overview

The NiSource Litigation team protects the Company by providing enterprise-wide counsel throughout NiSource Inc.'s six-state operating footprint on disputes, litigation, breach of contracts, claims, investigations, emergency incidents, subpoenas and other matters involving significant legal or business risk. The team develops and executes case and trial strategy, advises on complex litigation, claims and pre-litigation disputes, and directs outside counsel and experts. In partnership with business leaders and other Legal practice groups, the team resolves disputes, controls costs, reduces future risk and strengthens business practices through lessons learned and corrective action.

Essential Functions

• Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, business-savvy legal advice and counsel
• Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues and provides applicable legal advice
• Retains and supervises/manages outside counsel on select matters
• Communicates with business partners regarding status updates
• Reviews and revises legal documents
• Negotiates with outside parties on contractual issues and legal disputes
• Assists in training business partners on legal issues
• Manages assigned litigation, significant claims, investigations, subpoenas and pre-litigation disputes from initial assessment through resolution.
• Develops case and resolution strategy and coordinates outside counsel, experts, discovery and matter budgets.
• Supports emergency and post-incident response, including evidence preservation and transition to ongoing claim or litigation management.

Required Qualifications For Position

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
• 1-3 year's Experience with handling matters independently
• Able to handle case responsibilities with some supervision
• Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics
• Ability to balance the legal issues of a project with the goals of the business through the demonstration of strong, pragmatic business acumen and the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice
• Strong, logical legal mind with the ability to apply abstract concepts of law to make timely, well-reasoned and appropriate decisions to solve problems Medium
• Ability to work efficiently under time pressures and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment
• Strong, interpersonal skills, including ability to engender trust, respect and confidence to counsel & work closely with business partners
• Strong oral, written & presentation communications skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, and interactions between state and federal laws and agencies
• Problem solving skills
• Adaptable to changing environments
• Emergency coverage, overtime and some travel required

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• 2+ years of civil litigation experience, including significant claims, investigations, pre-litigation disputes, subpoenas or discovery
• Experience developing case and trial strategy and evaluating complex claims
• Experience with emergency or incident response and evidence preservation, with the ability to provide dedicated 24/7 legal support during assigned on-call rotations supporting NiSource Inc.'s six-state operating footprint
• Experience managing outside counsel, experts and matter budgets
• Ability to partner across functions and communicate legal and business risk
• Experience with environmental matters, including related claims, investigations or litigation
• Experience in the utility industry or other regulated industry
• Experience at a law firm or publicly traded corporation

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$133,400.00 - $200,100.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-10-09

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-10-23