Director, Legal Services

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Evaluate complex legal issues and assess risk in areas including business and corporate law, public utility regulation, labor and employment law, environmental regulation, real property, finance, governance, compensation and benefits, litigation, intellectual property, federal contracts and federal grants, information technology, and privacy and data protection law.
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of legal services and activities.
• Apply extensive knowledge of law to ensure high standard of representation and client services.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to minimize risks across the Company.
• Oversee litigation and disputes and develop legal strategies for resolution.
• Develop preventative law programs including training for managers and staff; advise Company personnel regarding new laws, legal trends, pertinent cases and policies.
• Manage due diligence relating to corporate and transactional matters, finance transactions, and provide advice and assistance to all areas of the business.
• Support corporate governance functions including Corporate Secretary functions for Duquesne Light Company and its affiliates.
• Provide and ensure high-quality supervision, mentorship, and training for all legal staff; ensure staff members are equipped to meet their goals and objectives; directly supervise attorneys and other staff.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff.
• Oversee continuous quality improvement processes.
• Build and maintain strong professional and working relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Participate in committees and cross-functional leadership teams.
• Effectively manage outside counsel and control costs.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• React and respond to external and internal queries and requests relating to various legal issues.
• Communicate with senior management on legal issues and risks, including preparing and delivering presentations.
• Aid in the development and implementation of governance and corporate policies, procedures, and strategies.
• In addition, assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures and systems for provision of legal services and monitoring of potential areas requiring legal review.
• Participate in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

Education And Experience Required

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school required.
• Admission to the Pennsylvania bar or the ability to be admitted within 6 months of employment.
• Fifteen (15+) or more years of experience in related or transferable field with a minimum of Ten (10) years prior management experience is required.
• Proven leadership experience across multiple disciplines and multiple management layers required.

Skills/Abilities

• Lead at a strategic level, take an enterprise-wide view, and provide creative solutions and initiatives beyond “business as usual.”
• Established leader with track record of managing personnel, driving results and maintaining accountability.
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to draft and review complex legal documents.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and provide proactive legal guidance to support business objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate with, influence and collaborate with others internally (with senior executives and employees at all levels of the organization) and externally.
• Ability to lead meetings and presentations.
• Analytical ability to take complex issues, highlight key points in understandable terms, and provide solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.