Regulatory Counsel for Utilities (IL/IA/MO)

American Water; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water seeks a Counsel for the Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri regions to bridge legal expertise with utility operations. The role focuses on real estate, contracts, litigation, and environmental compliance within a highly regulated sector.

The successful candidate will interpret statutes, advise leadership, and help ensure regulatory compliance while supporting strategic business objectives across three states.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active member of the Iowa, Illinois, or Missouri state bar.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in law firm or in-house settings.
• Experience with real estate, contracts, litigation, and public utility law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to IL, IA, and MO leadership on regulatory, contracts, real estate, and litigation matters.
• Manage real estate easements, complex contract negotiations, and environmental compliance.
• Navigate public utility regulation and interact with state utility commissions.
• Translate regulatory requirements into actionable business strategies for the company.
• Advise leadership on risk, policy and strategic initiatives in a multi-state utility environment.

Skills

Multistate practice

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiations

Real estate experience

Litigation experience

Public utility law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

American Water seeks a Counsel for the Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri regions to bridge legal expertise with utility operations. The role focuses on real estate, contracts, litigation, and environmental compliance within a highly regulated sector.

The successful candidate will interpret statutes, advise leadership, and help ensure regulatory compliance while supporting strategic business objectives across three states.