Senior Counsel

Physical office location: PEC Headquarters - 201 S Ave F, Johnson City, TX 78636. Hybrid work options available.

About the Role

This position is responsible for providing legal advice to the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel, the management team, and other employees as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the internal legal strategy planning for power supply contracts, electricity delivery, operations, tariffs, relationships, regulations, and agreements
• Manage and direct real estate matters and physical facilities arrangements
• Assist the General Counsel or Associate General Counsel with researching and responding to legal and governance issues
• Manage and direct legal matters involving facilities, financing, bond, and debt obligations
• Manage and direct litigation support in assigned cases, including discovery responses, witness preparation, strategy, mediation, negotiation, and resolution
• Serve as backup to the Associate General Counsel
• Research and resolve a broad range of legal issues for management and Cooperative departments
• Provide advice to the management team on legal risks, mitigation options, and actions
• Attend and participate in Cooperative and Board of Directors meetings, as needed
• Monitor and maintain awareness of industry legal issues and update management
• Ensure compliance and ethics standards by assisting with administration of Ethics and Compliance Reporting and advising and consulting with the Ethics and Compliance Officer
• Draft and review legal documents, policies, and negotiate contracts
• Research and respond to legal inquiries, subpoenas, and other requests
• Prepare and present the status of Legal Department programs to management and the Board of Directors as required
• Monitor and ensure compliance with ethics and other policies and initiatives
• Coordinate and monitor activities with outside counsel
• Ensure adherence to proper procedures, quality standards, deadlines, and correct errors and problems
• Provide supervision and direction to the administrative staff in the absence of the Associate General Counsel to ensure adherence to proper procedures, quality standards, and deadlines
• Supervise employees and provide guidance in handling difficult or complex problems and in resolving escalated complaints or disputes
• Supervise and implement corporate and departmental policies, procedures, and service standards in conjunction with management
• Teach and instruct employees in job duties and company policies
• Interpret and communicate work procedures and company policies to staff
• Develop and review operating procedures
• Establish work priorities and activities
• Establish metrics and prepare monthly reports
• Coordinate activities with other departments
• Travel to various Cooperative offices across the service territory
• Maintain the confidentiality of information
• Stay abreast of changes in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage and direct strategic and legal management over assigned subject areas, providing direction to other department personnel in assigned subject areas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Juris Doctor Degree
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
• Ten years of experience practicing law
• Valid Driver's License

Skills

• Knowledge of business and management principles including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and budgeting
• Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data, or processing information
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations that affect the utility industry
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service
• Skilled in monitoring and managing performance
• Skilled in establishing and communicating performance expectations and metrics
• Skilled in time management
• Skilled in prioritizing and managing changing priorities
• Skilled in anticipating, identifying, analyzing, and resolving conflict and problems
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing

Physical Demands

• The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop, and kneel
• The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time
• The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull, or move up to 25 pounds
• The employee may be required to travel

Schedule

Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period. This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week.