Senior Counsel

Senior Counsel is a dynamic and fast-paced position advising and representing Unitil’s electric and natural gas companies in matters before state agencies in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. In addition to working directly with senior management to develop and implement business strategy, Senior Counsel regularly collaborates with external government and community stakeholders on critical legal and policy objectives. Recent matters include electric and natural gas rate regulation, development and integration of renewable energy resources, and modernization of the electric grid. This is an ideal position for attorneys with experience or an interest in the rapidly evolving areas of energy and utility regulatory policy in New England. 

Unitil is consistently ranked as one of the best companies in to work for in New Hampshire by Business NH magazine. The Company’s offices are located in the coastal town of Hampton, NH, and are a short drive from the borders of Massachusetts and Maine. A hybrid working schedule is available.

Appears on behalf of Unitil in legal proceedings and assists in strategy development across applicable utility regulatory jurisdictions (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine and relevant federal agencies). Maintains knowledge and understanding of applicable state and federal statutes, rules, and regulatory decisions and advises Unitil companies on regulatory objectives and obligations. Regularly advocates on behalf of the Unitil companies in conferences and hearings before state regulatory commissions and agencies. Drafts petitions, motions, and briefs in support of Unitil company positions in pending regulatory matters. Senior Counsel will also collaborate with government and community stakeholders on legal and policy objectives in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Additional responsibilities include the review and negotiation of business agreements, and advising on state and federal regulatory corporate laws and regulations.

% of Time

End Results

80%

Utility Regulation

Under the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel, conducts, oversees and manages electric and gas utility regulatory proceedings and associated legal matters, including, but not limited to:

• Representation of the Company’s subsidiaries before jurisdictional regulatory agencies
• Active participation in and responsibility for the development and implementation of regulatory strategy
• Development and preparation of substantive legal and technical positions
• Management and oversight, along with Regulatory Services, of regulatory filings and compliance reporting 
• Management and oversight of discovery processes
• Management and oversight of hearings, witness preparation, cross- and direct examination of witnesses
• Preparation of briefs, memoranda and position papers, as required
• Manages and coordinates participation in settlement negotiations and related resolution of outstanding matters
• Timely advises Senior Management of regulatory developments

5-10%

Corporate and Business Matters: 

At the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel:

• Participates in the development and drafting of business policies, procedures and programs.
• Participates in the drafting, negotiation and review of contracts and contracting policies.
• Provides legal advice and guidance on  an assortment of  business transactions
• Advises and provides guidance on compliance with applicable federal and state corporation laws and regulations.

Advises and provides guidance on legal aspects of the company’s financings and business transactions. 

5-10%

Legal Proceedings and Litigation:

At the direction of and in consultation with the Chief Regulatory Counsel:

• Participates in business litigation matters from initiation to resolution, utilizing outside counsel and other service providers as appropriate.

• A Juris Doctorate degree is required. 
• Bar admission, or a willingness to seek bar admission, in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and / or Maine is required.  
• A minimum of five years experience in a position demonstrating strong supervisory, organizational, communication, investigative, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills. 
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills are essential. 
• Experience with electric and natural gas utility regulation, policy matters, and operating activities is preferred but not required.
• Hybrid working schedule is available.