Senior Counsel

NiSource Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. seeks an experienced senior counsel to provide regulatory-focused legal counsel to its Ohio and Kentucky utility clients. You will blend strong legal expertise with practical business judgement to help advance regulatory and compliance objectives across multiple cases.

The role requires leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to manage outside counsel while engaging with senior management to resolve complex regulatory matters and support policy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one state; Ohio/Kentucky bar preferred or willingness to be admitted.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in the utility industry with subject‑matter expertise.
• Experience with independent case responsibility and project management.

Responsibilities

• Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, business-savvy legal advice and counsel.
• Manages complex matters.
• Retains and supervises outside counsel on select matters.
• Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues and provides applicable legal advice.
• Drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents.
• Negotiates with outside parties on utility regulatory matters.
• Assists in training clients on legal issues.
• Communicates with clients, including senior management, regarding problem solving and status updates.
• Prosecute cases and prepare regulatory filings; support rate cases and proceedings.

Skills

Legal reasoning

Oral & written communication

Project management

Outside counsel management

Business acumen

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Job description

Job Summary

Provides legal advice to NiSource Utility Company clients located in Ohio and Kentucky, on matters of varying complexity, primarily focused on regulatory issues. Combines knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen, and knowledge of business goals and objectives. Has experience and subject matter expertise.

Essential Functions

• Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, business-savvy legal advice and counsel.
• Manages complex matters.
• Retains and supervises/manages outside counsel on select matters.
• Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues and provides applicable legal advice.
• Drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents.
• Negotiates with outside parties on utility regulatory matters
• Assists in training clients on legal issues.
• Communicates with clients, including senior management, regarding problem solving and status updates

Required Qualifications For Position

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one state in the United States; member of the bar in good standing in Ohio, and/or Kentucky is preferred or be willing to become barred in those States
• Significant experience and subject matter expertise in the utility industry with a minimum of five (5) years of experience.
• Experience with independent case responsibility and project management

• 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
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
• Strong, logical legal mind with the ability to apply abstract concepts of law to make timely, well-reasoned and appropriate decisions to solve problems
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Strong advocacy skills
• Ability to function autonomously, independently, and efficiently under pressure of deadlines in a fast paced environment

• Strong leadership, managerial and interpersonal skills, including ability to engender trust, respect and confidence

• Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively
• Adaptable to changing environments.
• Exercise sound judgment
• Able to work in a collaborative team environment, including with cross functional teams
• Ability to advise management of work progress and of unusual situations
• Able to work in a collaborative team environment, including with cross functional teams

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Experience in the utility industry or other regulated industry is strongly preferred
• Experience in rate cases and other major proceedings before state utility commissions
• Has significant experience and subject matter expertise

Practice Area Responsibilities

• Prosecute cases before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and Kentucky Public Service Commission
• Manage all aspects of administrative litigation, including testimony, discovery, trial preparation, and litigation
• Provide counsel and representation on pipeline safety enforcement and compliance proceedings
• Prepare comments and responsive documents for rulemaking proceedings
• Assist in the drafting and review of legislation
• Draft and review application for regulatory filings such as financing approvals, rider updates, requests for waiver
• Prepare for and participate in all aspects of rate case proceedings, including discovery, witness preparation, cross-examination of adverse witnesses, and filing applications, motions, and briefs
• Advise and counsel clients on state regulatory requirements concerning compliance, customer service, rates and billing, special contracts, field operations, and construction projects
• Counsel clients on gas pipeline safety issues, including federal and state requirements, procedure, and compliance
• Negotiate and draft contracts with customers for regulated tariffed services
• Represent the Company in investigations and customer complaints before regulatory commissions
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders
• Work with compliance and customer service to resolve customer complaints and inquiries
• Conduct legal research

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

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*

$160,100.00 - $240,100.00

*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

2026-10-29

Posting End Date (if applicable)

2026-11-12