Corporate Counsel
Johnson, Vermont
Position Purpose:
The Corporate Counsel plays a vital role in VEC’s mission of providing safe, reliable energy while building and innovating for the future. This position advises on legal issues from environmental permitting to right-of-way challenges to power supply contracts – and everything in between. We rely on this role to surface risks with curiosity and insight, and bring a practical, action-oriented perspective to help VEC teams navigate legal and regulatory issues in a collaborative way, aligned with VEC’s values. A critical part of the role is coordinating, advising and supporting our regulatory work which can include monitoring dockets, coordinating responses, or litigation. Reporting to the CEO, this position also oversees Board of Director governance and supports much of the work of the board.
What You Do / Will Do:
- Provide legal counsel on matters related to state and federal regulatory requirements affecting the electric utility industry, including tariffs, rates, licensing, and permitting.
- Represent the company before regulatory agencies. Participate in hearings and negotiations. Advise and prepare other VEC representatives for these proceedings as necessary.
- Monitor, coordinate assignments, and assure compliance with all legal and regulatory dockets and filings.
- Draft and review legal documents, including regulatory filings, contracts, and the like.
- Advise and collaborate with internal departments on environmental policy, permitting, and process.
- Assist with Board of Directors governance. Prepare and maintain Board minutes and board materials. Advise on Robert’s Rules of Order procedures. Maintain, update, and implement board policies.
- Manage outside counsel relationships as needed including litigation with our insurance companies or specific legal expertise.
- Collaborate and advise on member issues as they arise which may include tariff interpretation, purchase & sales, and patronage capital distributions.
- Recommend or develop training on legal concerns or policies for VEC employees and/or the Board.
- Direct proper administration of VEC’s records retention policy.
- Lead VEC’s enterprise risk management process with staff and board.
- Collaborate with Management and outside counsel for collective bargaining and the preparation of policies and procedures.
- Stay current with legislative changes and related emerging trends and technology. Report and contextualize changes to VEC and the Board as appropriate.
- Work with members and right-of-way (ROW) team to negotiate easement language or consult on ROW issues.
- Assist in the Incident Command Structure during emergency storm operations.
- Advise on a variety of business issues including bond issuance, employment concerns, and FERC federal issues.
Experience and Skills:
- JD and active member of Vermont State bar association (required).
- Two or more years in business, environmental or utility regulatory law (preferred).
- Demonstrated understanding of state and federal utility regulation landscape.
- Demonstrated collaborative outlook and skills. Relationship-building with internal and external partners is a must.
- Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly and simply explain complex topics to various audiences.
- Excellent organizational skills and detail orientation.
- Demonstrated ability to find practical solutions and work with the team to implement quickly.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize appropriately in a fast-paced environment.
Position Details:
| Reports To: | Chief Executive Officer | FLSA Status: | Exempt |
| Hours of Work: | Consistent with normal business hours and needs | Union Status: | Non |
| Salary Range: | Grade 8 | Approved Date: | April 12, 2024 |
VEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
VEC is committed to building a work community that is inclusive and represents a vibrant diversity of background, experience, perspective, and thought. We encourage qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position.