Counsel, Mergers & Acquisitions

American Water; Camden (NJ); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive pay

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Wellness programs

Job summary

American Water seeks an experienced attorney to provide legal counsel on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, and complex commercial contracts, with a focus on governance, regulatory, and operational matters in the water sector. The role is hybrid (in‑office/remote) in New Jersey, with occasional travel to operating locations and transaction meetings.

You will partner with Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Government Affairs, and other teams to enable strategic

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in M&A, corporate transactions, and/or commercial contracting.
• Experience managing complex transactions and multiple workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted legal advisor on corporate and commercial matters.
• Lead and support M&A transactions and related integration activities.
• Advise on regulatory considerations, including public utility approvals.
• Draft, review, and negotiate service agreements, MSAs, NDAs, real estate and other contracts.
• Manage outside counsel to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Operations, and Regulatory teams.

Skills

Corporate law

M&A

Commercial contracts

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow profession

Primary Role

Provide legal counsel and support to the Company on a wide range of corporate, transactional, and commercial matters, with a primary focus on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, and complex commercial contracts. The position will also support the business on governance, regulatory, and operational legal matters, with a strong opportunity to develop and expand utility and regulatory expertise, including in the water and wastewater sector.

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders, providing practical, business‑oriented legal advice across corporate and commercial matters.
• Lead and support M&A transactions, including stock purchases, asset purchases and related integration activities.
• Advise on regulatory and public utility considerations, specifically including managing the regulatory approvals for regulated acquisition and coordination with internal regulatory teams and external counsel (water/wastewater experience a strong plus).
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including service agreements, MSAs, NDAs, easements, real estate‑related agreements, and other operational contracts.
• Assist with matters involving environmental, compliance, and permitting issues, as applicable to transactions and operations (experience a plus, not required).
• Manage and oversee outside counsel to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective legal services.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Government Affairs, and other corporate functions.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong foundation in corporate law, M&A, and commercial contracts.
• Familiarity with regulated industries, public utilities, or infrastructure‑intensive businesses is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of environmental, real estate, or administrative law is a plus.

Experience/Education

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience in M&A, corporate transactions, and/or commercial contracting, gained in a law firm and/or in‑house legal department.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex transactions and multiple workstreams concurrently.
• Experience providing timely, actionable legal advice in a fast‑paced, business‑driven environment.
• Strong business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Experience working collaboratively with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (additional admissions a plus).

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel, including to operating locations and transaction‑related meetings.

Hybrid in‑office/remote environment, as determined by business needs. Standard is 2 days remote, 3 in office.

Scope

• Supports corporate and operational legal matters across multiple business units and jurisdictions.
• Works on matters with significant strategic, financial, and regulatory impact.