Senior Legal Counsel – Regulatory and Commercial Energy Transactions

Location: Portland, Oregon

ABOUT THE POSITION:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Legal Counsel with expertise in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) matters and energy-related contracts to join our legal team in Portland, Oregon. This position involves providing strategic legal guidance, supporting regulatory compliance, and managing complex energy transactions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in energy law, strong management skills, and the ability to represent the company in legal and regulatory proceedings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal support on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) matters.
• Draft, negotiate, and administer contracts for energy transactions, including:
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs), including those governed by PURPA.
  • Storage agreements, build-transfer agreements, and master trading agreements (EEI, WSPP, ISDA).
  • Transmission service agreements and generation interconnection agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company tariffs related to corporate and operational activities.
• Advise management and staff on legal, strategic, and regulatory matters.
• Establish and implement legal policies and procedures consistent with industry standards.
• Stay updated on energy industry trends and pursue ongoing professional development to ensure best practices in legal and compliance matters.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings, including court cases, regulatory agency hearings, and state public utility commission matters.
• Oversee and collaborate with outside counsel as needed.
• Manage and mentor attorneys and legal staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Licensure:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Successful completion of the bar exam in one or more states where the company conducts business (Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming).

Experience and Skills:

• 10+ years of legal experience, with a strong background in energy law and regulatory compliance.
• Experience representing clients in state regulatory or administrative proceedings before public utility commissions.
• Expertise in FERC-related matters.
• Strong understanding of utility operations, tariff filings, and public utility regulatory policies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to influence peers and senior officers.
• Ability to assess and interpret external rules and regulations effectively.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage attorneys, and oversee legal staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Combination of law firm and corporate or agency experience.
• In-depth knowledge of energy industry trends and utilities.
• Demonstrated experience working with public utility commissions and regulatory agencies.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Base Salary: $176,300 to $207,500 (commensurate with experience).
• Bonus Eligible: Yes.
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k), and paid time off.
• Relocation Assistance: Available.
• Interview Travel Reimbursement: Yes.