Special Counsel

Summary

Works closely with the EVP & General Counsel, Assistant General Counsel (AGC) for Commercial Operations and Legislative Affairs, as well as other AGCs. Provides expert legal services to one or more major departments or functions and/or performs special legal assignments of major importance in a complex and highly specialized legal field(s). Work involves facts that are open to various interpretations; applicable precedents may not exist and the law may not specifically relate to or regulate the particular situation. Provides direct support for implementing NYPA’s expanded authority for renewable generation and related programs, including strategic planning and legal support, applications for siting, permitting and other governmental approvals, and drafting and negotiating development, financing, construction, power sales and other related agreements.  Involvement has a significant impact on organization operations and strategies. #LI-CJ1

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the EVP and General Counsel and collaborate with Assistant General Counsels to provide expert legal advice and counsel to senior executive leadership on matters of strategic importance to NYPA and/or its subsidiaries
• Provide advice and counsel to the General Counsel and senior leadership in the handling of complex cases having a significant impact on NYPA’s and/or its subsidiaries’ operations and strategies that may involve facts open to interpretation where legal precedent may not exist
• Propose solutions and influence business decisions by executive leadership on complex matters of critical importance
• Recommend operational strategies with direct impact on results
• Identifies risks and constraints and proposal actionable plans for solution implementation
• Oversee special projects and assign team members to serve on task forces and/or committees assembled to explore and implement new programs to be delivered by NYPA and its subsidiaries
• Advise senior leadership on the feasibility and projects and or programs needed for changes in law and regulation
• Lead team members in developing sophisticated legal analysis and diagnostics to creatively build strategic positions that will advance business objectives
• Approve the department’s training materials/presentations for distinct areas of law and their impact to organizational and business-related programs
• 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 General Counsel and or senior leadership as needed
• Manages experienced professionals, supervisors and/or managers who exercise latitude and independence in assignments
• Sets goals and objectives for team members for achievement of operational results. Manages staff including performance reviews, salary administration, and succession.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge in business activities related to a critical function and or its subsidiaries
• Ability to creatively and effectively solve problems of diverse scope and substantial complexity
• Demonstrate broad knowledge of organizational business activities and how they interact and serve its mission and strategic vision
• Solid understanding of legal and public policy implications of organizational business operations
• Advanced in-depth understanding of an organization’s past and current operational structure, its mission, policies and relationships between local, state and federal government
• Proven high level leadership and management skills with experience providing mentorship to team members
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong and creative negotiating skills
• Demonstrates consistently expert judgment and decision-making ability on highly complex issues

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Juris Doctor Degree, admission to the New York State Bar and admitted to practice in New York State and Federal courts is required
• Minimum 7 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience preferred
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing employees/leading a team preferred
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas of law relevant to NYPA, such as energy, regulatory, litigation, commercial and finance, and employment
• Experience in utility industry preferred

Physical Requirements

• Up to 25% travel primarily within NY State