Senior Staff Attorney - Open Records / Litigation

Diversity Nexus; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Philadelphia Gas Works is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney – Open Records/Litigation to provide legal counsel on open records, regulatory and litigation matters.

The role involves serving as PGW's Open Records Officer, preparing legal documents, advising management, and coordinating with outside firms. After six months, a hybrid work option with 1 remote day may be available for PA residents.

Qualifications

• Must be a law school graduate with an LLB or JD degree.
• Must be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.
• 5+ years of experience in open records, litigation, regulatory, energy or related law.
• Experience before governmental/regulatory agencies such as the PA Office of Open Records, PUC, Gas Commission, City of Philadelphia, FERC, City Council, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on matters affecting PGW, including open records, regulatory, litigation, municipal and energy issues.
• Respond to records requests under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law; serve as Open Records Officer.
• Prepare litigation materials and advise on matters requiring legal counseling and representation.
• Coordinate outside law firms and assist in staff development and training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Senior Staff Attorney - Open Records / Litigation

The job is a full time role on site at Philadelphia Gas Works. After six months the role may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule of 1 remote day for Pennsylvania residents. The job will often require 5 days per week on site. The Senior Staff Attorney – Open Records/Litigation receives and responds to records requests received by PGW including but not limited to requests under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law and serves as PGW's Open Records Officer. The Senior Staff Attorney also reviews and prepares litigation materials and various other documents, advises and represents the company in a variety of legal matters which may include but not be limited to open records, regulatory, litigation, collections, bankruptcy, labor, municipal, energy and other areas requiring legal counseling and/or assistance. The Senior Attorney coordinates matters referred to outside law firms and handles matters that are more complex with greater potential liability or recovery than matters handled by the Staff Attorney. Assists manager in the development of staff by providing input to manager on reviews, determining suitability for special assignments, and identifying training needs.

Responsibilities: Provide legal advice on matters affecting the interests of PGW primarily as it relates to a variety of legal matters which may include but not be limited to open records and records management, regulatory, litigation, municipal, energy and other areas requiring legal counseling and/or assistance etc.; prepare appropriate related legal documents. Serve as PGW's Open Records Officer and responds to records requests received by PGW including but not limited to requests under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Research appropriate legal opinions, rulings and findings to provide the soundest legal advice regarding company matters. Advise and actively represents PGW in negotiations, administrative and court actions as assigned; prepare appropriate legal documents associated with these processes. Assignments may include but are not limited to:

Pennsylvania Office of Open Records matters

Public Utility Commission (PUC) matters

Customer Service hearings Rates

Budget administrative proceedings

Legislative matters FERC matters

General litigation

Analyze and interpret federal, state and local statutes, case law, ordinances, legislation and regulations to determine their application to company business procedures, policy and practices. Advise management and represent legal perspective on new and proposed changes to company policies, procedures and practices. Consult with other departments as necessary to carry out assigned responsibilities. Perform other special projects and assignments as requested.

Qualifications:

Must be a law school graduate with an LLB or JD degree

Must be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.

5 or more years of experience working with laws and regulations related to open records, litigation, commercial, energy, and/or regulatory law.

Practice before governmental/regulatory agencies such as the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, PUC, Gas Commission, City of Philadelphia, FERC, City Council, etc. preferred.

Must have analytical and communication skills to interpret and translate complex legal terms into written and verbal forms that are easily understood by all levels of staff.

Must have leadership ability with a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions to provide guidance to lower-level peer group and assist Legal Department in identifying the best people for special assignments and advancement.