The Lansing Board of Water & Light has an opening for a
Deputy General Counsel with our legal services, located in Lansing, MI.
Job Type: Full-TimeStarting Salary Range: $139,758. - $176,095.Position Summary:Under the administrative direction of the General Counsel, performs the more complex and difficult legal assignments, e.g., providing legal advice and representation to the BWL and its Board of Commissioners in all legal matters pertaining to the business and operations of the BWL. The Deputy General Counsel, under the administrative direction of the General Counsel, also manages the Legal Services department and outside counsel to ensure that all activities of the BWL are legally supportable and carried out in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, rules and policies and related functions as described in further detail below.
Essential Functions: - Serves as legal counsel to the company providing written and oral legal advice to the General Manager, BWL management and departments and the Board of Commissioners on legal matters pertaining to their offices and to meeting their fiduciary responsibilities.
- Researches, prepares and presents legal opinions; assists in ensuring that activities of the company are legally supportable and in accordance with internal and external rules and regulations; assists in the representation of the BWL in litigation and other legal matters.
- Drafts, reviews, and advises on contracts for the sale and purchase of goods, services and real property. Identifies problems, and proposes and implements solutions, conducts group presentations, grasps and communicates complex issues covering a wide range of disciplines.
- Advises management on legal, policy and strategic issues. Interprets federal, state and local laws.
- Confers with department managers and directors regarding anticipated Legal Services requirements and issues; analyzes the feasibility of alternative approaches to meeting requirements; develops and recommends company-wide short and long-term Legal Services and plans.
- Anticipates legal issues and risks and implements strategic solutions.
- Attends and participates in professional and community meetings as necessary; stays current with legal issues relative to BWL operations and requirements; responds to and resolves sensitive and complex legal inquiries and issues.
- Reviews bonding and insurance policies. Recommends methods to manage risk and protect the organization's interests.
- Represents the BWL in hearings before courts, regulatory bodies, government agencies and citizen interest groups.
- Negotiates and recommends settlements of disputes.
- Functions as a business representative in transactional matters such as franchise arrangements.
- Attends Board of Commissioner meetings.
- Interacts with other governmental entities, businesses and the public.
- Creates associations of trust and respect with key stakeholders.
- Manages and directs Legal Services department staff and outside counsel.
- Develops and administers a departmental budget with fiscal acumen.
- Plans, directs and manages the work of others; organizes, plans and prioritizes projects.
- Assists in the development and implementation of the Legal Services department goals, objectives, policies and priorities for appropriate service areas; helps ensure that established goals and priorities are achieved.
- Train and evaluate Legal Services department personnel; establish performance requirements and staff development goals; identify and resolve staff deficiencies; execute performance management responsibilities including termination procedures.
- Provide and coordinate corporate and Board training on legal issues.
- Expected to comply with all BWL policies and work rules.
- Predictable and reliable attendance.
- Performs other duties and projects as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has management and supervisory responsibilities. Plan, direct and coordinate the Legal Services department's work plans; assign work activities and responsibilities to appropriate personnel; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; identify and resolve department problems and issues.
Job Specifications: Required: - Must possess a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school and must be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
- Must have a minimum of five years of experience in the utility industry or in a governmental capacity.
- Must have two years of litigation experience.
- Must have demonstrated leadership experience.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Preferred: - Knowledge of finance, budget and regulatory compliance.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position primarily involves office-based work. The essential physical requirements and working conditions include:Prolonged periods of seated computer work with ability to operate standard office equipment. Regular verbal communication and auditory ability to exchange information with colleagues, clients, and the public. Visual ability to view computer screens, read documents, and process written information. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment including computers, phones, and similar devices. Occasional movement throughout the office environment. Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis. Work is performed in a professional office setting with moderate noise levels. Position may require periodic in-state and out-of-state travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.Must successfully complete a background check, a substance screening and a physical (if applicable).
Why Should You Apply? - Competitive salary, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
- Retirement programs including 401a (100% company paid up to 13% of base salary), 457 match up to $2,500 per year, retiree medical.
- Voluntary benefits including supplemental and dependent life insurance, vision, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, HOPE loan.
About BWL:The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly owned utilities.
The Location:Lansing, MI provides the opportunity to enjoy all seasons of fun and beauty. With the Grand River open for kayaking, lush golf courses, 17+ miles of trails for biking/hiking/running, Potter Park Zoo, and the sports, the arts and fine foods that comes from being near a major University, Michigan State University, there is a spot for everyone. The area is a short drive from Lake Michigan's shoreline where there is views of natural beauty, boating, fishing, and windsurfing.
THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER