Regulatory Counsel

Summary Description:  

The Regulatory Counsel will report to the Senior Vice President, General Counsel.  This position involves legal counsel extended to all of the corporate entities that comprise the “Statewide” organizations supporting NC’s Electric Cooperatives.  At the time of this posting, the primary such entities are North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (“NCEMC”), the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (“NCAEC”), and Tarheel Electric Membership Association (“TEMA”).  The Regulatory Counsel will represent NCEMC before regulatory bodies, courts, private entities, and legislative committees and commissions.  Among the primary responsibilities of the position will be representation and advocacy before the North Carolina Utilities Commission (“NCUC”), and we would be particularly interested to know of a candidate’s prior experience with and before the NCUC. 

Academic and Trade Qualifications: 

A J.D. from a law school approved by the American Bar Association.  Member in good standing of North Carolina State Bar, or ability to swiftly obtain such membership. 

Work Experience: 

4-5 years of progressive work experience with at least 3 years of legal practice.  Prior regulatory practice, particularly at the state level (and again, the NCUC) is preferred.  

Responsibilities: 

1. Assist the General Counsel in providing legal support to the Boards, Executive Vice President and Executive Staff.
2. Represent NCEMC before state and federal regulatory bodies and courts; regular briefing of internal staff, membership and boards of directors on regulatory topics.  
3. Responsible for advising appropriate NCEMC management and staff of regulatory and renewable/green energy-related proceedings that may impact NCEMC, its affiliate organizations, its members or future business operations.
4. Liaison with staff, outside legal counsel and consultants to ensure that actions on behalf of NCEMC are consistent with its policies and to ensure compliance with regulatory filing, operation, and reporting requirements. 
5. Be prepared to deliver, support or participate in presentations intended to inform or educate state and federal administrative, regulatory and judicial bodies.
6. Performs such other duties as may be directed by the General Counsel.

Job Knowledge: 

Must have an effective working knowledge of the standards of public utility regulation and statutes, among them the Public Utility Regulatory Practices Act (“PURPA”), bearing in mind the increasing importance of non-traditional generation and its impact on transmission and distribution planning.  Must have a working knowledge of the legal standards and resolution mechanisms related to the business of cooperative and investor-owned power supply organizations, including contract, corporation, securities and tax law.  Must have a working knowledge of the nature of, and legal requirements related to, operative legal documents such as contracts, corporate articles of incorporation and bylaws, rate filings, civil actions in courts and arbitrations and so forth. Experience in reviewing, interpreting and negotiating contracts preferred.

Abilities and Skills: 

Must be able to do legal research in all pertinent fields of law.  Must be able to write and communicate, internally, and externally clearly and succinctly, including the preparation of memoranda, contracts, and other legal documents.  Must be able to analyze legal problems and recommend courses of action.  

Working Conditions: 

Office environment with occasional travel. 

Company Profile: NCEMC (http://ncemcs.com/about/ncemc.htm) is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the nation and is the power supplier for most of the state's member cooperatives.  NCEMC acquires the power it sells to its member cooperatives in a number of ways, including asset ownership and Purchased Power Agreements. 

North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment.