ATTORNEY - STATE UTILITY REGULATION - STAFF - SR

GRADE LEVEL:  57-58

DEPARTMENT: General Counsel

STARTING SALARY: $136,100 - $218, 374 - Salary is commensurate with experience.

JOB SUMMARY

At direction of the Deputy General Counsel implements, directs, coordinates, oversees, and enforces the Company’s state and local regulatory matters before the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (“NMPRC”) and/or Public Utility Commission of Texas (“PUCT”) and the City of El Paso. Utilizes interpersonal skills to work with senior management, management, and employees to constructively analyze and effectuate the Company’s regulatory matters in New Mexico and Texas. Works independently in performing legal tasks that focus primarily on state regulatory matters. Studies proposed state legislation and existing laws and regulations affecting the Company, advises management and departments, and develops and implements strategies to promote Company positions. Responsible for representing the Company in matters before the NMPRC and/or the PUCT and the City of El Paso. In coordination with the attorneys and personnel of the Legal Department, reviews, drafts, and negotiates various agreements and policies affecting the Company; and counsels and advises departments on a variety of legal issues. May provide guidance to less experienced attorneys and may coordinate work of retained counsel. Collaborates when necessary, with attorneys and staff on work. Anticipates and guards against legal risks involving the Company.

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

EXPERIENCE

5+ years or more of legal experience in a law firm, governmental agency, corporate legal department, or equivalent legal setting.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of legal principles, regulatory proceedings, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
2. Knowledge of utility regulation, administrative law, and regulatory compliance principles preferred.
3. Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
4. Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and policies and provide practical legal advice and recommendations.
5. Ability to develop legal and regulatory strategies that support business objectives and mitigate risk.
6. Ability to manage multiple legal matters independently while exercising sound professional judgment.
7. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with regulators, attorneys, management, employees, and external stakeholders.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and legal research tools.

9. Experience with utility regulation, administrative law, regulatory proceedings, or energy-related matters preferred.

    

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides legal counsel and support on utility regulatory, legislative, and compliance matters affecting Company operations in New Mexico and Texas.
2. Represents the Company before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the City of El Paso, and other governmental or regulatory bodies, as appropriate.
3. Prepares, reviews, and analyzes contracts, agreements, tariffs, regulatory filings, and other legal documents.
4. Drafts and reviews pleadings, briefs, discovery requests and responses, testimony, comments, settlements, and other documents related to regulatory proceedings, administrative hearings, and litigation.
5. Investigates and evaluates matters involving state and local regulatory issues, administrative proceedings, and litigation affecting the Company.
6. Provides legal and strategic guidance regarding rate cases, rulemakings, certificate proceedings, tariff matters, compliance filings, and other regulatory proceedings.
7. Leads and supports negotiations involving regulatory matters, settlements, tariffs, and complex business transactions.
8. Advises Company officers, directors, managers, and employees on legal, regulatory, legislative, and business matters.
9. Monitors, reviews, and analyzes proposed and existing laws, regulations, policies, and regulatory developments affecting Company operations and interests.
10. Conducts legal research and prepares legal analyses, opinions, and recommendations on complex legal and regulatory matters.
11. Evaluates the need for outside counsel, engages approved retained counsel as appropriate, and coordinates and monitors work performed by retained counsel, keeping the Deputy General Counsel or supervising attorney informed of significant matters and case status.
12. May provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff.
13. Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Company policies, and ethical standards.
14. Identifies, assesses, and helps mitigate legal and regulatory risks affecting the Company.
15. Assists with and supports compliance with all applicable Company policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics, as well as federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including employment, safety, and environmental requirements.
16. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.