What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Investigator position at Consumers Energy?
Join the diverse and dynamic team that powers Michigan's largest energy provider and one of the nation's largest gas and electric combination utilities. Consumers Energy services 6.7 million of Michigan's 10 million residents - caring for our friends and neighbors in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We embrace a cleaner and leaner utility vision focused on eliminating energy waste and adding renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar.
At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.
Our Legal Investigator will work with the Company's Legal Department to investigate, prepare reports, maintain evidence and files, and assist in developing defenses in connection with incidents posing potential liability for the Company. The Legal Investigator responds to incidents involving property damage and personal injuries including, but not limited to, explosions, fires, automobile accidents, storm-related incidents, and electrical contacts where the Company may face potential liability claims. The Legal Investigator also conducts internal and external interviews of witnesses and assists attorneys in preparing for litigation. The Legal Investigator position requires both field work and office work, including work at the Company's evidence storage facility, and often involves working after normal hours or on weekends as needed to respond to emergent issues.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Respond to emergent incidents, both on and off site, to gather information regarding cause of incidents and potential liability risk for Company.
- Visit incident sites to conduct and participate in scene investigations with public agencies (Michigan State Police, local law enforcement, local fire departments, Michigan Public Service Commission, etc.) and/or private parties (insurance investigators, attorneys, etc.).
- Collect, log, store, inspect, and manage evidence collected in connection with incident investigations.
- Create and maintain files and reports regarding incidents.
- Provide support to attorneys for litigation and settlement preparation.
- Provide and support expert testimony as needed in disputes and litigation.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES
- Fire/explosion investigation skills with training (certification preferred).
- Knowledge of legal processes.
- Knowledge of law enforcement processes and procedures.
- Ability to travel throughout Consumers Energy service territory (30-50% of time).
- Automobile accident and personal injury investigation skills.
- Understanding of evidence collection and preservation, chain of custody processes, witness interviews and report preparation.
REQUIREMENTS
- High School diploma
- 4 years of experience working for or with Michigan law enforcement agencies and/or fire department(s) in an investigatory role.
- Bachelors Degree – preferred
- Certified Fire Investigator (State of Michigan) - preferred
