Senior Counsel

Location: Hybrid – 3 days/week in office, Columbus, OH

Job Description

The position requires the provision of legal advice to clients on various complex commercial matters, including real estate, supply chain, and other transactional matters. The successful candidate combines knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen, knowledge of business goals and objectives, and significant experience and subject matter expertise supporting business-critical transactions.

This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel and is expected to understand NiSource’s business and be able to identify and analyze issues that impact the operation, execution and success of the business; and provide strategic practical advice and solutions to address identified concerns through cooperative means in partnership with internal business clients. The role is specifically designed to serve as a cross-functional partner to the entire commercial function, with preference given to candidates with experience in real estate matters, commercial transactions and supply chain/procurement matters. This position will serve to drive the organization to achieve strategic objectives by leveraging and supporting the capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, styles and abilities; and be a catalyst for helping the business to embrace organizational and cultural transformations for its betterment. The successful candidate should have at least five (5) years of legal experience. Foundational training as a lawyer either in-house in the energy sector or at a large law firm is strongly preferred.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, strategic, business-savvy legal advice and counsel

• Manages complex matters

• Manages outside counsel on select matters

• Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues and provides applicable legal advice

• Reviews and revises contracts and other legal documents

• Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and advises on real estate transaction documents, including easements, leases, license agreements, and purchase and sale agreements

• Provides legal support for land rights, encroachments, access rights, and other property-related matters affecting utility operations

• Advises on local municipal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting real estate, utility operations, and commercial projects, including zoning, land use, permitting requirements, and other similar restrictions

• Leads or supports real estate due diligence and closing deliverables, including review of title, survey, zoning, environmental, permitting, and encumbrances in coordination with internal stakeholders

• Negotiates with outside parties on contractual issues and legal disputes

• Assists in training clients on legal issues

• Partners with the supply chain practice on procurement strategies, vendor contract structuring, supplier risk management, and regulatory compliance affecting supply chain operations

• Leads or supports transaction structuring and M&A activities, including real estate acquisitions and divestitures, due diligence, deal documentation, closing coordination, and post-closing integration matters

• Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and advises on confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements in support of commercial, real estate, supply chain, transactional, and due diligence matters

• Coordinates cross-functionally with commercial team members to ensure consistent legal positions and streamlined advice to the business

Required Qualifications for Senior Counsel Position

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school

• Licensed to practice law in at least one state in the U.S. and a member in good standing with the state bar

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience, with meaningful exposure to at least two of the following: real estate transactions and land rights, supply chain/procurement, or M&A/transactional law

• Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics

• Commitment to diversity and respect for others

• Experience with independent matter handling responsibility and outside counsel management

• Ability to advise senior leadership

• Ability to balance the legal issues of a matter or project with the goals of the business through the demonstration of strategic counsel, pragmatic business acumen and the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice

• Strong, logical legal mind with the ability to apply abstract concepts of law to make timely, well-reasoned and appropriate decisions to solve problems with minimal supervision

• Ability to work with cross-functional teams, to take a leadership role in driving solutions, and to work under pressure to meet short deadlines

• Ability to work efficiently under time pressures and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Has significant experience and subject matter expertise drafting and negotiating commercial, technology, supply chain, real estate, land rights, and M&A transaction-related agreements.

• High level of engagement and leadership, and the ability to counsel and work closely with clients

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong problem solving and negotiating skills

• Knowledge of interaction between state and federal laws and agencies

• Presentation skills

• Sound judgment

• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to engender trust, respect and confidence

• Some travel (5-10%) is required

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Experience in the utility industry or other regulated industry

• Experience at a law firm or publicly traded corporation

• Experience advising on real estate transactions and property-related matters, including easements, leases, license agreements, acquisitions, dispositions, encroachments, municipal permitting, land rights, title and survey review, and real estate due diligence

• Experience with supply chain related matters, including procurement regulations, import/export controls, supplier risk management, and operational contracts

• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, and complex transaction structuring, including asset purchases, joint ventures, and partnership arrangements

• Lead, draft and negotiate all forms of commercial and real estate contracts, including, but not limited to, Equipment, Procurement and Construction Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements, Build Transfer Agreements, Professional Services Agreements, General Service Agreements, Construction Contracts, easements, leases, license agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and M&A transaction documents.

Disclaimer

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

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