Regulatory Counsel

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 providing safe, reliable, and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence 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 hybrid opportunity for a Regulatory Counsel based in Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Fayetteville, Arkansas, or Portland, Maine.

POSITION SUMMARY

Summit Utilities, Inc.’s Regulatory Department is looking for an attorney with utility regulatory experience to join its team as Regulatory Counsel.  This role will provide comprehensive legal counsel and legal risk analysis for Summit’s business operations and initiatives with a particular focus on assisting with the Company’s regulatory matters before state utilities commissions.   We are looking for someone with initiative who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working on a broad array of issues. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-to-day legal counsel to internal business clients on regulatory matters as assigned
• Represent the Company in regulatory proceedings before regulatory commissions
• Collaborate with internal business clients to proactively mitigate regulatory risk 
• Ensure the Company complies with relevant laws, regulations, and policies
• Manage outside counsel as necessary
• Build cross-functional relationships with team members 
• Obtain and maintain a solid knowledge of the company’s business, including being informed about changes in utility law and regulations and updating clients on such changes
• Other assigned duties

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• J.D. (Juris Doctorate) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice and in good standing in at least one state bar.
• Three to eight years of regulatory experience in a law firm's energy/utility practice, as in-house regulatory counsel, or as counsel for a state or federal utility commission, utility consumer advocate's office, or other organization that regularly appears as an intervening party in matters before utility regulators.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES 

• Excellent legal research, writing and analytical skills
• Ability to draft and/or review persuasive pre-filed testimony for utility commission proceedings
• Ability and desire to synthesize complex economic, accounting, engineering and ratemaking principles 
• Exercise sound judgment with a business-friendly approach to legal problem solving and being able to effectively counsel clients with concise, practical advice and creative solutions 
• Ability to influence value-added outcomes with clients utilizing legal expertise 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interface effectively with all levels and keep stakeholders regularly and timely updated 
• Able to work effectively and cooperatively with cross-functional colleagues in a geographically dispersed organization 
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with an excellent ability to set priorities and manage expectations on deliverables and deadlines 
• Self-starter who is sharp, quick to pick up new concepts, and willing to dig in and become an “expert” as needs arise 
• Must be able to travel as necessary and utilize other strategies to ensure effective collaboration and productivity 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

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, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.