What are the responsibilities and job description for the Managing Counsel - Litigation position at Summit Utilities Inc?
Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023 and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers.
Summit is a growing natural gas utility company providing safe, reliable and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri and Oklahoma. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence, diversity and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Managing Counsel - Litigation. This hybrid role requires working from one of our office locations in Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Fayetteville, Arkansas.
POSITION SUMMARY
Summit’s Legal Department is seeking an experienced attorney with strong litigation and dispute resolution experience. As Managing Counsel/Senior Managing Counsel – Litigation, you will play a key role in advising on legal risk and managing litigation, disputes, claims, and related matters across the organization.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys engaging with a wide variety of legal issues on a day-to-day basis.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage litigation, disputes, and related issues across the organization that involve a broad range of issues including commercial matters, property damage and personal injury, labor and employment and real property related claims
- Oversee and manage external counsel responsible for litigation and claims including selection of counsel and monitoring fees and budget compliance
- Develop and implement litigation and risk management strategies
- Advise internal stakeholders on potential and pending disputes as well as addressing lessons learned and mitigating litigation risk
- Prepare risk assessments and propose resolution strategies
- Oversee litigation budgets and manage cost control
- Manage discovery, including eDiscovery, and legal hold processes
- Provide counsel on labor and employment-related matters
- Supporting with insurer claims notification and other claims related communication with insurers
- Manage legal process and identify and implement improvements
- Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports including as requested by company auditors
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with internal teams
- Maintain a deep understanding of the company’s business and operations
- Perform other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. state
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Relevant legal experience, including:
- 7 – 10 years in litigation, dispute resolution, and claims management including courtroom experience
- In-house experience is a plus
- Experience with discovery in complex litigation including management of eDiscovery and experience with eDiscovery platforms and vendors
- Experience with claims and litigation including commercial disputes, personal injury, property damage and labor and employment matters
- Experience with real estate law, and/or utility regulation is helpful but not required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Strong litigation and dispute resolution skills
- Business-minded legal approach focused on practical, solution-oriented advice
- Ability to influence outcomes through legal expertise and strategic guidance
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with all levels of the organization
- High emotional intelligence and collaborative mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment
- Eagerness to learn the business and expand legal expertise into new areas
- Comfort working independently and as part of a geographically dispersed legal team
- Willingness to travel, as needed, to support effective collaboration
Summit offers competitive pay and medical/dental/vision and other benefits that provide flexibility, choice and support to our employees when they need it most. We understand that home and family are essential pieces of your life, and our benefits are designed to support you both at work and at home.
Summit Utilities, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
