Corporate Counsel - Regulatory / Corporate Counsel Senior - Regulatory

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources.  We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

JOB SUMMARY

As the independent system operator (ISO) for the power system that serves the majority of Texas, ERCOT is responsible for operating and planning the ERCOT transmission grid and administering the ERCOT wholesale power market, among other critical functions. The ERCOT Legal Department is seeking an experienced attorney to join its team at the Corporate Counsel or Senior Corporate Counsel level. The ideal candidate will have relevant regulatory and industry experience, excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a keen interest in supporting ERCOT in its critical roles.

The successful candidate will provide legal support and advice to the organization on regulatory matters and advocate on behalf of ERCOT, including representing ERCOT in regulatory, legislative, and judicial matters. The ideal candidate will also keep abreast of regulatory and legislative requirements with potential impact on the organization.

JOB DUTIES

• Understands and applies principles, theories, and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT’s culture.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Impact is generally limited to specific assignments or projects.
• May respond to inquiries or provide assistance or guidance to lower-level workers.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• Provides advice and counsel to internal clients with respect to stakeholder committee activities, regulatory proceedings, regulatory compliance, and legislative and regulatory risk management.
• Reviews and revises Nodal Protocol Revision Requests (NPRRs) and other types of Revision Requests, ERCOT staff comments regarding Revision Requests, and Impact Analyses (IAs) of Revision Requests.
• Contributes to representation of ERCOT in regulatory proceedings before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and other forums, as needed.
• Monitors and tracks relevant legislative matters and any applicable governmental proceedings.
• Contributes to the writing, editing, and publishing of various reports and filings required by PUCT rules and ERCOT Protocols.
• Develops comments regarding proposed rule changes in PUCT rulemaking proceedings.
• Reviews and interprets ERCOT Protocols, Nodal Operating Guides, Planning Guides, and other relevant documents for internal clients and in response to external inquiries.
• Performs legal research on issues involving state or federal law relating to ERCOT’s functions and drafts memoranda for management.
• Participates in audits and other compliance activities as required by internal controls, ERCOT market rules, or state and federal laws, rules, or standards.
• Participates in the preparation of materials for Board of Directors and Board committee meetings.
• May oversee legal aspects of public information requests, ensuring that requests are answered fully and in a timely manner, while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• May represent ERCOT in administrative proceedings or lawsuits, including document preparation, discovery, strategy, and advocacy.
• Responsibilities are commensurate with experience and senior level counsel may lead major projects and proceedings.

EXPERIENCE

Corporate Counsel – Regulatory:

• Requires minimum 2 years job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements.
• Requires minimum 2 years of progressively responsible legal experience related to administrative or regulatory matters, compliance, or litigation.
• Prefer 4+ years of job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements.

Senior Corporate Counsel – Regulatory:

• Requires minimum 5 years job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements.

• Prefer 8+ years of job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Any discipline (Required)
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school (Required)

CERTIFICATION

• Active member of the State Bar of Texas in good standing (Required)

WORK LOCATION

• Must be on-site at the Austin office at least two days per week, or more, based on business needs and as determined by management.
• Work arrangements are subject to business needs and subject to change.

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of duties expected to be performed and management may, at its discretion, revise or require other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  As part of the interview process, candidates for the position may be asked to complete a writing exercise to evaluate legal writing and analytical skills.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT. ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time.

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law. #LI-IV1 ; #Hybrid

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range: