Counsel (Energy Attorney)

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not–for–profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC's area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Provincial authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people.

The vision for the ERO Enterprise, which is comprised of NERC and the six Regional Entities, is a highly reliable and secure North American bulk power system. Our mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. The mission of the E–ISAC is to reduce cyber and physical security risk to the North American electricity industry by providing unique insights, leadership, and collaboration.

The Counsel is a member of the Legal and Regulatory and Internal Audit and Corporate Risk Group. This mid–level counsel position focuses on assisting with NERC's program areas as needed. The counsel reports to the Senior Counsel or Associate/Assistant General Counsel.

• Conduct background research and prepare memoranda to support advice and counsel to NERC's departments, as needed.
• Work independently and produce near final drafts of pleadings, comments, and testimony for filing in administrative, judicial, and legislative proceedings.
• Manage discrete portions of projects and interface with NERC and Regional Entity staff and stakeholders.
• Develop legal guidance on matters of first impression and briefing materials on such guidance for senior staff, executive management, and NERC Board of Trustees.
• Provide legal assistance and advice on corporate and regulatory issues, including, among other things, matters related to corporate governance, human resources, privacy and security, intellectual property, contracts, and NERC's role as the ERO under Section 215 of the Federal Power Act.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and member in good standing in one or more state bars.
• Four to six years relevant legal experience at a private law firm, corporation, or energy regulatory agency.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Strong communications and public relations skills.
• Strong facilitation, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Public speaking.

Other

• Background check will be conducted prior to employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired are required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• This position has been classified as exempt.
• The preferred job location is Washington, DC; however, NERC has a connected workforce model.
• Travel (15–20%) necessary: passport required for travel, primarily throughout North America.

Our Culture Declarations

• Everyone at NERC is a leader.
• We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on commitments.
• We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives.
• We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people.
• We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take risks.
• Build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of NERC.
• Reward, high–quality, creative, and innovative work;
• Attract, engage, and retain top talent;
• Provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment; and
• Form strong relationships within the company, and with the ERO Enterprise.
• We demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge and opportunities for growth and development.
• We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset; preventing problems, and building contingencies where appropriate.
• We are champions for diversity and inclusion. Seeks out and values diverse perspectives.