Senior Counsel
Location: Hybrid – 3 days/week in office, Columbus, OH
Job Description
The position requires the provision of legal advice to clients on various complex commercial matters, including real estate, supply chain, and other transactional matters. The successful candidate combines knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen, knowledge of business goals and objectives, and significant experience and subject matter expertise supporting business-critical transactions.
This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel and is expected to understand NiSource’s business and be able to identify and analyze issues that impact the operation, execution and success of the business; and provide strategic practical advice and solutions to address identified concerns through cooperative means in partnership with internal business clients. The role is specifically designed to serve as a cross-functional partner to the entire commercial function, with preference given to candidates with experience in real estate matters, commercial transactions and supply chain/procurement matters. This position will serve to drive the organization to achieve strategic objectives by leveraging and supporting the capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, styles and abilities; and be a catalyst for helping the business to embrace organizational and cultural transformations for its betterment. The successful candidate should have at least five (5) years of legal experience. Foundational training as a lawyer either in-house in the energy sector or at a large law firm is strongly preferred.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and advises on real estate transaction documents, including easements, leases, license agreements, and purchase and sale agreements
Provides legal support for land rights, encroachments, access rights, and other property-related matters affecting utility operations
Advises on local municipal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting real estate, utility operations, and commercial projects, including zoning, land use, permitting requirements, and other similar restrictions
Leads or supports real estate due diligence and closing deliverables, including review of title, survey, zoning, environmental, permitting, and encumbrances in coordination with internal stakeholders
Partners with the supply chain practice on procurement strategies, vendor contract structuring, supplier risk management, and regulatory compliance affecting supply chain operations
Leads or supports transaction structuring and M&A activities, including real estate acquisitions and divestitures, due diligence, deal documentation, closing coordination, and post-closing integration matters
Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and advises on confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements in support of commercial, real estate, supply chain, transactional, and due diligence matters
Required Qualifications for Senior Counsel Position
Minimum of 5+ years of experience, with meaningful exposure to at least two of the following: real estate transactions and land rights, supply chain/procurement, or M&A/transactional law
Has significant experience and subject matter expertise drafting and negotiating commercial, technology, supply chain, real estate, land rights, and M&A transaction-related agreements.
Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position
Experience advising on real estate transactions and property-related matters, including easements, leases, license agreements, acquisitions, dispositions, encroachments, municipal permitting, land rights, title and survey review, and real estate due diligence
Experience with supply chain related matters, including procurement regulations, import/export controls, supplier risk management, and operational contracts
Experience with mergers, acquisitions, and complex transaction structuring, including asset purchases, joint ventures, and partnership arrangements
Lead, draft and negotiate all forms of commercial and real estate contracts, including, but not limited to, Equipment, Procurement and Construction Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements, Build Transfer Agreements, Professional Services Agreements, General Service Agreements, Construction Contracts, easements, leases, license agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and M&A transaction documents.
Disclaimer
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.
As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.
We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.
Veteran Hiring & Inclusion
NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
- Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)
Salary Range*:
$160,100.00 - $240,100.00
*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience , as well as internal pay equity .
Posting Start Date:
2026-08-12
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-08-12
