Job Description

Our Company

More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life.

Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected.   Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably.

Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees.

Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package.

Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance.

*Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups

Position Purpose:

Assists in regulatory legal matters and strategy development across applicable utility regulatory jurisdictions (New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and relevant federal agencies).Provides legal counsel and guidance on business legal matters and associated litigation.  Provides legal advice, reviews business documents, negotiates business agreements and assists in the understanding of business and regulatory laws. Oversees and represents the company in legal proceedings on an assortment of business and regulatory matters, including general liability claims and litigation. Manages programs and outside service providers to investigate, evaluate and resolve legal matters and associated litigation.

Principal Accountabilities:

70-85%  Utility Regulation

Under the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel, conducts, oversees and manages electric and gas utility regulatory proceedings and associated legal matters, including, but not limited to:

•    Representation of the Company’s subsidiaries before jurisdictional regulatory agencies

•    Active participation in and responsibility for the development and implementation of regulatory strategy

•    Development and preparation of substantive legal and technical positions

•    Management and oversight, along with Regulatory Services, of regulatory filings and compliance reporting

•    Management and oversight of discovery processes

•    Management and oversight of hearings, witness preparation, cross- and direct examination of witnesses

•    Preparation of briefs, memoranda and position papers, as required

•    Manages and coordinates participation in settlement negotiations and related resolution of outstanding matters

•    Timely advises Senior Management of regulatory developments

5-10%    Legal Proceedings and Litigation:

At the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel:

•    Participates in business litigation matters from initiation to resolution, utilizing outside counsel and other service providers as appropriate.

•    Participates in the selection, retention and evaluation of outside counsel and other service providers representing the company on business legal matters and litigation activities.

5-10%   Claims and Investigations:

At the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel:

•    Participates in the initial/ongoing investigations of claims and events that have, or potentially could, result in major general liability claims/litigation.

•    Advises executive  management on the conduct and resolution of these major claims through the settlement or legal process.

•    Assists with the investigation, evaluation and resolution of general liability claims.

5-10%    Business Affairs:

At the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel:

•    Participates in the development and drafting of business policies, procedures and programs.

•    Participates in the drafting, negotiation and review of contracts and contracting policies.

•    Provides legal advice and guidance on  an assortment of  business transactions

•    Advises and provides guidance on compliance with applicable federal and state corporation laws and regulations.

Advises and provides guidance on legal aspects of the company’s financings and business transactions.

Competencies [Performance Standards]

Accountability    The drive to deliver results dependably and meet commitments and promises, while taking personal responsibility for outcomes. Displays deep commitment to doing the right thing; admits mistakes and accepts personal responsibility for success or failure; “goes the extra mile” to deliver.

Adaptability & Flexibility:    The ability to effectively manage multiple demands, shifting priorities, and changing situations; willingness and openness to change. Adapts responses and tactics to fit fluid circumstances; turns past mistakes to good use; knows when to abandon an established plan or goal for a better one; recognizes the value of differing opinions; displays flexibility in interpreting events.  Adapts easily to change; sees the benefits of differing opinions and adapts one’s own position when needed.

Analytical Thinking:    The ability to breakdown complex problems and to think of multiple causes and consequences.

Assertiveness:    The ability and willingness to communicate expectations and concerns in a direct, emphatic and professional manner, especially where opposition from others is expected. Strong and self-assured in personal interactions; confidently makes decisions even when others disagree; can be firm, forceful and insistent where required.

Conflict Management:    The ability to confront issues, address conflict, resolve problems and recommend solutions. Handles difficult situations with diplomacy and tact; spots potential conflict and encourages open discussion; brings disagreements into the open and de-escalates; orchestrates win-win solutions.

Decision Making:    The ability to make sound decisions while exercising solid stakeholder management skills.

Initiative & Follow Through    The readiness to act and seize opportunities, going above and beyond what is asked or expected. Takes action before being directed; follows through energetically with plans and strategies; mobilizes the support of others; overcomes challenges and setbacks; takes calculated risks.

Challenges:

Requires the ability to deal effectively and confidentially with high visibility business and legal issues and to work closely with executive management on the resolution of an assortment of legal matters and associated litigation that may have a material impact on the company.

Requires time outside the office to participate and work professionally as an authoritative legal representative of the company  in and conduct legal proceedings, discovery and investigations concerning legal matters and associated litigation.

Requires the ability to meet and manage strictly enforced business and legal deadlines related to the production of reports, discovery materials, etc.

Requires the ability to establish and manage constantly  changing priorities and to effectively manage and oversee multiple projects and professional outside counsel and other service providers.

Must maintain and ensure a highly professional and  “objective” perspective in the investigation of incidents and legal matters that involve the company’s customers,  operating practices and activities of the companies and their employees.

Decision Making Authority:

Under the direction and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel, make decisions in areas of assigned responsibility on an assortment of legal matters and associated litgation. Is considered an authoritative representation of the company in the conduct of legal proceedings and litigation activities

Qualifications:

A Juris Doctorate degree and bar admission in New Hampshire is required. The ideal candidate will also be admitted to the bars in Maine and Massachusetts.

At least seven years experience in a like position demonstrating strong supervisory, organizational, communication, investigative, writing, negotiation and litigation skills.  Familiarity with gas and electric utility regulation and operating activities is a plus.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

153 total views, 0 today

Apply for this Job