Senior Staff Attorney - Open Records / Litigation

About the role

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the nation, supplying gas service in the City of Philadelphia to over 500,000 customers. PGW is dedicated to becoming the Greenest Natural Gas Delivery Company in the region. This is a full-time, on-site role at PGW's Philadelphia location. After six months, the role may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule of 1 remote day for Pennsylvania residents, though it will often require 5 days per week on site.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on matters affecting PGW, including open records, records management, regulatory, litigation, municipal, energy, and other areas requiring legal counseling or assistance; prepare related legal documents.
• Serve as PGW’s Open Records Officer and respond to records requests, including those under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.
• Research legal opinions, rulings, and findings to provide sound legal advice on company matters.
• Advise and actively represent PGW in negotiations, administrative actions, and court actions; prepare associated legal documents. Assignments may include:
  • Pennsylvania Office of Open Records matters
  • Public Utility Commission (PUC) matters
  • Customer Service hearings
  • Rates and Budget administrative proceedings
  • Gas Commission hearings
  • Legislative matters
  • FERC matters
  • General litigation
• Analyze and interpret federal, state, and local statutes, case law, ordinances, legislation, and regulations to determine their application to company business procedures, policy, and practices.
• Advise management and represent the legal perspective on new and proposed changes to company policies, procedures, and practices.
• Consult with other departments as necessary to carry out assigned responsibilities.
• Assign and oversee matters referred to outside law firms, handling complex matters with greater potential liability or recovery.
• Assist the manager in developing staff by providing input on reviews, determining suitability for special assignments, and identifying training needs.
• Perform other special projects and assignments as requested.

Requirements

• Law school graduate with an LLB or JD degree.
• Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.
• 5 or more years of experience working with laws and regulations related to open records, litigation, commercial, energy, and/or regulatory law.
• Practice before governmental/regulatory agencies such as the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, PUC, Gas Commission, City of Philadelphia, FERC, or City Council preferred.

Skills

• Analytical and communication skills to interpret and translate complex legal terms into written and verbal forms easily understood by all levels of staff.
• Leadership ability with a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions to guide lower-level peers.
• Ability to assist the Legal Department in identifying the best people for special assignments and advancement.

Benefits

• Free health insurance options
• Free dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Commuter benefits
• Pension plan
• Free parking
• Wellness programs
• Onsite gyms
• Tuition assistance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Parental leave
• Eligible for hybrid work environment

Location: Philadelphia, PA 19122