Deputy General Counsel

Summary

Provides legal advice/counsel to all NYPA’s business and functional areas. Researches, analyzes, and interprets proposed and existing laws, statutes, and regulations. 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. May represent NYPA during litigation, arbitration, mediation or other disputes with courts, government agencies, or other legal authorities.

Responsibilities

• Knowledgeable on how to lead large functional and/or operational business units with multiple layers and disciplines
• Supervise daily operations and provide direction, advice, and counsel to Assistant General Counsels (AGCs), Corporate Secretary’s Office, VP of Ethics and Compliance, and SVP of Policy and Regulatory Affairs
• Maintain close working relationships with the EVP, General Counsel, and at the request of the EVP, with the President, Chairman, and members of the Executive Management Committee
• Ensure smooth workflow and manage relationships with outside law firms, handling matters where the EVP may need to be recused
• Act on behalf of the EVP in providing legal advice to Trustees, Chairman, President, and senior management; represent the Authority legally; supervise the Legal Department; participate in the Executive Management Committee; and perform duties of Secretary to the Board of Trustees and EDPAB
• Provide legal advice on operational issues of the Authority and counsel to Trustees, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Management
• Maintains strong working relationships with outside organizations such as: Courts, Governor’s Office, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, NYISO, Public Service Commission, NYS Energy & Research Development Agency, Other Agency Counsels, Outside Law Firms, Accountants and Financial Advisors, Energy Suppliers
• Supervise the Office of the VP for Ethics and Compliance, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements
• Manage AGCs and equivalents to ensure quality legal support for all Authority activities and proper representation in judicial, legislative, and administrative forums
• Stay informed of legal, statutory, legislative, and regulatory developments that could impact the NYPA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive practical experience across multiple disciplines within NYPA and understanding of market best practices and NYPA’s business environment
• Strong familiarity with NYPA’s history, statutory powers, functions, and Public Authorities Law
• Ability to understand and address engineering, scientific, technical, accounting, labor, marketing, environmental, political, and financial issues
• Commitment to ongoing education through industry conferences and participation in both Authority and external training programs
• In-depth knowledge of the competitive electricity markets in NYS and familiarity with NYS energy issues, statutes, and the political structure
• Maintains relationships with external network of energy lawyers and executives
• Well-developed skills in public speaking, managing meetings, writing, and editing. Ability to collaborate with engineering and technical staff to achieve consensus on policy and legal objectives.
• Proven ability to manage direct and indirect reports, strategic and financial planning, budgeting, organizational, and performance measurement skills
• Capable of generating ideas and handling major initiatives
• Ensures Legal Department employees receive necessary training and resources. Final authority over Legal Department questions and appointments, collaborates with senior management and key stakeholders.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelors’ and Juris Doctorate degrees are required
• Admission to New York State Bar
• Minimum 10 or more years of experience in related field preferred 
• Minimum three or more years managerial experience, five years leading a team, or a combination of managerial and leadership experience
• Experience in office administration and in the State legislative/political arena required 

Physical Requirements

Travel among various organization locations is expected