The Dahill Group is pleased to be assisting our well-respected client in search of an exceptional Assistant General Counsel - FERC. This is a well-established energy infrastructure company which has more than 7,000 miles of FERC-regulated natural gas transportation and storage systems. The company also operates more than 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipeline and processing facilities. The position will sit in our client's Houston office.
This client has been recognized consistently over the last eight years as a Top Workplace. This recognition is particularly notable because it is based solely on feedback from employees.
Primary purpose:
Provide legal support on all matters related to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Natural Gas Act, Federal Power Act, and other applicable federal, state and local energy regulations.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
•Provide advice regarding compliance with applicable FERC and other regulatory tariffs, regulations, orders, policy statements and standards of conduct.
•Draft, review, and negotiate operational agreements such as interconnection, operational balancing agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
•Draft pleadings, open season notices, tariff changes, and transmittal letters, draft and prepare regulatory applications (e.g., certificates, petitions for declaratory orders), and draft comments or responses to proposed regulatory rulemakings or inquiries.
•Assist with FERC Compliance Program including drafting compliance plan, ensuring compliance with the plan, conducting annual training, and addressing any non-compliance events.
•Provide real-time advice on regulatory implications of commercial arrangements and opportunities.
•Interpret tariffs, contracts, and other governing documents as to limitations, restrictions and opportunities.
•Facilitate and oversee outside counsel and expert witnesses in FERC or other regulatory proceedings involving natural gas and electricity, including rate, tariff, certificate, complaints, declaratory order petitions and other filings.
•Coordinate/assist with the preparation of testimony, statements, schedules, data responses, pleadings, settlement negotiations, and litigation pertaining to FERC rate case proceedings.
•Manage regulatory litigation including drafting discovery responses, objections, and briefs.
•Draft commercial contracts in support of our regulated businesses, e.g., precedent agreements.
•Assist with all regulatory filings and postings.
•Serve as key internal legal resource on all company regulatory matters.
•Attend and participate in staff meetings, other internal meetings and meetings with customers, investors, partners, other third parties, FERC and/or state commissions as requested.
•Other daily, weekly, monthly, or special project duties as identified and defined.
Minimum requirements :
Education:
•Juris Doctor from an accredited institution.
•Top 25% of graduating class preferred.
Experience/Specific Knowledge:
•Ten (10) years of relevant legal experience and command of FERC rules, regulations and procedures relating to natural gas pipelines.
•Experience working at a highly regulated energy pipeline or other midstream energy business.
•Experience supporting natural gas pipelines and midstream businesses.
•Experience with the Federal Power Act preferred.
•Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:
•Must be licensed to practice law in the U.S.
•Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers (for travel).
Competencies, Skills & Abilities:
•Able to work independently and quickly, self-starter, successfully perform multiple tasks and balance competing demanding deadlines.
•Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to listen carefully.
•Strong analytical skills and logical thought processes.
•Ability to write clearly and effectively.
•Proficiency with relevant legal research tools, including but not limited to FERC's eLibrary and Lexis.
•Able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
•Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
•Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
•Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
•Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
•Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
•Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
•Work non-traditional hours as needed.
•Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications, experience and skill sets of the successful candidate.
Working Conditions:
•Occasional overnight travel may be required.
•Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
•The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit reports for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary: Highly competitive base salary
Bonus: Above market annual bonus
Equity package
Hybrid work schedule (also remote options will be considered)
Benefits:
Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
Infertility Coverage
Parental Leave
401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
Identity theft protection
Annual discretionary bonus
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
Company vehicle (if applicable)
Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
Networking and employee engagement events