Senior Counsel

Closes: November 2, 2025

Avista is an energy leader in the Pacific Northwest. For over 130 years, we have been dedicated to delivering reliable energy service and the choices that matter most to our customers. Our purpose is to enable vibrant communities through energy, safely, reliably and affordably. 

This position provides legal counsel and guidance to assigned business segments within the company regarding legal matters related to day-to-day business operations. Areas of focus include Federal Power Act compliance and rate filings, wholesale power markets and regional transmission issues, service agreements and related processes for large load customers, compliance with FERC regulatory requirements and NERC reliability standards, and regulatory litigation. Specific areas of legal support include power supply, power marketing, transmission, and regulatory compliance departments. The position will act as liaison with outside legal counsel on matters elected by General Counsel or company management, including the examination and assessment of legal data to determine advisability of prosecuting or defending a lawsuit. Develops effective client relationships and provides legal and business expertise when dealing with a wide range of parties.

• J.D. and state bar license required; licensed to practice law in Washington State or ability to become licensed in Washington.
• Demonstrated experience involving FERC regulation of the electric industry, as well as wholesale power markets and transmission functions preferred.
• Experience in public companies and compliance a plus.
• Must have an aptitude and drive for looking forward and anticipating how legal/policy trends and developments may affect future business models.
• Ability to make decisive, sound judgments and ability to resolve complex legal issues.
• Proficient negotiation and presentation skills.
• Effective and adaptable verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

• Three plus years of well-established legal experience with overall utility industry experience preferred. Knowledge of utility terminology and language preferred. 

Hiring Range: $125,183 to $165,243

• Eight plus years of well-established legal experience with overall utility industry experience preferred. Knowledge of utility terminology and language preferred.

Hiring Range: 142,598 to $188,941

• Fifteen or more years of well-established legal experience with overall utility industry experience preferred. Knowledge of utility terminology and language preferred.
• 15+ years of experience or 10+ years of experience in specialized area (i.e. IT/OT) preferred.  

Hiring Range: $161,720 to $215,895

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager. 

To Apply
We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive and bonus programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Generous paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Education and development support including tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Many other elective benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $125,183 to $270,070. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com.

Pre-employment screening requirements 
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.    

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.

Salary

• $125,183 - $165,243