Principal Attorney I

Summary

Provides legal advice/counsel to all NYPA’s business and functional areas with a focus on business units impacted by PSC, NYISO and FERC regulation including transmission development and operation. Researches, analyzes, and interprets proposed and existing laws, statutes, and regulations with working knowledge of NY PSC, NYISO and FERC tariffs, regulations, proceedings and processes. Identifies, monitors, and addresses issues of legal risk. Informs and contributes to the structuring, drafting, negotiating and/or approval of legal contracts, letters of agreement, policies and other documents. Such contracts include agreements for the development of transmission, operation and maintenance, asset transfer agreements, power purchase and sale agreements, interconnection, and others related to power, transmission and energy regulation. Will require managing closings for large projects and asset transfers in coordination with NYPA’s real estate team. May represent NYPA during rate cases, litigation, arbitration, mediation or other disputes with courts, government agencies, or other legal authorities. Specialties may include but are not limited to Contract Management, and Governmental/Regulatory Affairs including NY PSC, NYSERDA, NYISO and FERC. #LI-CJ1

Responsibilities

• Work independently on assignments and provide legal advice and counsel on complex matters and transactions for specific business clients
• Provide daily direction, mentorship, coaching and review work product of less senior attorneys on assignments and business unit client interactions 
• Supervise and review work product of legal support staff
• Apply independent judgment to provide strategic legal support to accomplish operations goals in a specific area of expertise
• Draft legal opinions and briefs on complex or difficult issues
• Handle grievances, audits, disputes and litigation matters for affecting NYPA and its subsidiaries, including internal investigations and related matters
• Evaluate the impact of recent changes in law, rules and regulations related to NYPA’s and its subsidiaries’ and existing and planned projects and programs and provide recommendations to General Counsel or senior leadership to overcome resulting adverse effect
• Conduct intricate legal analysis of complex or difficult issues and draft legal opinions and briefs
• Effectively and professionally deliver presentations to employees at all levels of NYPA’s and its subsidiaries’ organization
• Independently handle cases on behalf of NYPA and/or its subsidiaries in judicial or other administrative forums
• Handle special projects on behalf of the General Counsel or senior leadership
• Collaborate with business unit clients to maintain and implement legal strategies that further NYPA’s and its subsidiaries’ programmatic and business interests
• Present/communicate legal analysis on issues to senior leadership and their potential impact on NYPA’s and its subsidiaries‘ business operations and collaborate with senior leadership to implement recommended actions and/or responses
• Develop and implement effective processes, standard and operational plans or improvements will impact the achievement of result and/or efficiencies in current practice and operations both within the Law Dept as well as NYPA’s and its subsidiaries’ business units
• Prepare and deliver training materials and presentations on distinct areas of law and their impact to NYPA’s and its subsidiaries business-related programs and business activities
• Serve on committees and/or task forces in a legal advisory capacity, providing legal support as needed to achieve the goals of the committee and/or task force and report to Assistant General Counsel as needed
• Work closely with and manage outside counsel to develop case and matter strategies and monitor billing practices. Review and approve invoices.  
• Report on major developments to an Assistant General Counsel and/or General Counsel

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-discipline complex matters and technical projects independently and achieve a favorable outcome for NYPA and its subsidiaries
• Ability to resolve complex issues and provide timely responses and guidance to business unit clients on more complex legal issues without the opportunity to conduct legal research
• Ability to develop or maintain trusted working internal and external relationships at various levels at NYPA and its subsidiaries
• Demonstrates mastery level judgment and decision making skills
• Maintain mastery level case management and time management skills
• Possess mastery level of oral and written communication skills
• Be skillful in guiding and giving support to less senior legal staff
• Ability to develop or maintain mastery level knowledge in a subject areas relevant to NYPA
• Must have or have the ability to acquire a deep understanding of laws, rules and regulations related to NYPA and its subsidiaries
• Demonstrated leadership skills

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Juris Doctor Degree
• Admitted to practice in New York State and Federal court is required
• Minimum 8 years of legal experience as a practicing attorney
• Experience in one or more of the following areas of law relevant to NYPA, such as energy, litigation, commercial and finance, and employment
• Experience in utility industry preferred

Physical Requirements

Up to 25% travel primarily within NY State

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $156,000-$195,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law. 
 
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns.  To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.