Senior Counsel

NiSource Corporate Services Co; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Corporate Services Co. in Columbus, OH seeks an experienced attorney to provide regulatory legal advice to NiSource Utility Company clients in Ohio and Kentucky.

The role emphasizes translating complex regulatory matters into practical business guidance, drafting filings, and coordinating with internal clients and outside counsel. The ideal candidate holds a Juris Doctor, is admitted in Ohio and/or Kentucky, and has at least five years of experience in the utility/regulatory field, with

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one US state; Ohio/Kentucky bar preferred or willingness to become barred.
• 5+ years of experience in utility/regulatory matters.
• Ability to balance legal issues with business goals and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and manage regulatory cases before state commissions.
• Provide proactive, business-savvy legal advice and counsel.
• Draft, review, and revise legal documents and filings.
• Manage outside counsel on select matters and coordinate with clients.
• Train clients on legal issues and communicate status to senior management.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and support cross-functional teams.

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 wor