Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!
Job Title: Director, Legal Services
Summary:
The Director of Legal Services is a senior legal professional responsible for protecting the Company’s legal interests. This leadership position demands a profound understanding of diverse legal disciplines, including corporate and commercial matters, litigation management, claims, and labor and employment. This role demands a combination of legal expertise, leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex legal environments adeptly. Reporting directly to the VP & General Counsel, the incumbent will work closely with the General Counsel to provide sound legal advice, implement best practices, and mitigate risks while upholding the highest ethical standards. Additionally, the Director of Legal Services will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and cross-functional departments, ensuring that our business objectives align with relevant legal requirements and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Location: Hybrid, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Responsibilities:
- Provide legal services including evaluation of complex legal issues and assessment of risk, in a wide range of areas, including business and corporate law (with an emphasis on corporate and commercial transactions and corporate liabilities), public utility regulation, labor and employment law, environmental regulation, real property, finance, governance, compensation and benefits, litigation, intellectual property, federal contracts and federal grants, information technology, and privacy and data protection law for Duquesne Light Company and its affiliated entities.
- Provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of legal services and activities. Apply extensive knowledge of law to ensure a high standard of representation and client services.
- Develop and implement legal strategies to minimize risks across the Company.
- Oversee litigation and disputes and develop legal strategies for resolution.
- Develop preventative law programs including training to assist managers and staff in the handling of their work; advise Company personnel regarding new laws, legal trends, pertinent cases and policies.
- Manage due diligence relating to corporate and transactional matters, finance transactions and provide advice and assistance to all areas of the business.
- Support corporate governance functions including Corporate Secretary functions for Duquesne Light Company and its affiliates.
- Provide and ensure high-quality supervision, mentorship, and training for all legal staff; ensure that staff members are equipped to meet their goals and objectives; directly supervise attorneys and other staff. Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff.
- Oversee continuous quality improvement processes.
- Build and maintain strong professional and working relationships with internal stakeholders. Develop and foster a work environment that encourages employees to collaborate, continuously improve, hold each other accountable for performance and maintain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are respected.
- Participate in committees and cross functional leadership teams.
- Effectively manage outside counsel and control costs. Provide work direction and/or monitor work performed by outside attorneys to ensure use of the same is efficient and provides high value; monitor and manage outside counsel costs, including invoice reviews.
- Manage Legal Services budget to ensure costs are within overall business plan and provide visibility and transparency into unexpected variances.
- Experience and ability to engage with, and present to, Board of Directors.
- React and respond to external and internal queries and requests relating to various legal issues.
- Effectively communicate with senior management on legal issues and risks, including preparing and delivering presentations.
- Assist in the development and implementation of governance and corporate policies, procedures, and strategies. In addition, assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures and systems for provision of legal services and monitoring of potential areas requiring legal review.
- As assigned, participate as member of DLC’s Incident Management Teams (or similar team), or provide support to same as needed. Participate in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
- Storm team duties as assigned
Education and Experience Required:
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school required
- Admission to the Pennsylvania bar or the ability to be admitted within 6 months of employment.
- Fifteen (15+) or more years of experience in related or transferable field with a minimum of Ten (10) years prior management experience is required.
- Proven leadership experience across multiple disciplines and multiple management layers required.
Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to lead at a strategic level, take an enterprise-wide view, and provide creative solutions and initiatives beyond “business as usual.”
- Established leader with track record of managing personnel, driving results and maintaining accountability.
- Highly motivated self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to draft and review complex legal documents.
- Ability to exercise subject matter expertise, and develop expertise in other employees.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and provide proactive legal guidance to support business objectives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to negotiate with, influence and collaborate with others internally (with senior executives and employees at all levels of the organization) and externally.
- Ability to lead meetings and presentations.
- Analytical ability to take complex issues, highlight key points in understandable terms, and provide solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
Must possess a positive attitude and strong values that fit with DLC’s core values:
- Energized to shape the future;
- Bold in thinking and exploration of new possibilities;
- Collaborative in approaching all challenges;
- Responsible in commitment to safety, management of assets and finances and interaction with others;
- Selfless in serving the community, both on the job and through volunteerism.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings' commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.
Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at
[email protected] and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.
