Associate General Counsel

About Us South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to 700,000+ customers and businesses throughout 14 counties in New Jersey. As part of our core values, SJI is dedicated to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions to meet the needs of the future. To do this, we depend on our workforce of over 1,100+ talented, diverse employees who help us deliver safe, reliable, affordable clean energy for a better today and tomorrow.

At SJI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. Whether you’re a seasoned operations technician or an early-career legal professional, our culture, inclusive workforce, and leadership development and training programs will provide you with the tools you need to either kickstart your career or bring it to new heights.

Position Summary

Reports to the VP, DGC, M&A and Strategic Transactions Practice, this attorney position at SJI will provide the right candidate with an opportunity to be a valued member of the legal and business team. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated and aspire to be integral to shaping the corporation's future through supporting the construction and litigation needs of the corporation. This attorney will assist in providing advice on construction matters, business transactions, vendor disputes, insurance claims and litigation matters including personal injury and property damage claims.

Essential Functions:

- Perform such work or services as directed by the DGC.

- Handle all claims against the corporation during all phases of litigation and work alongside the in-house legal team to develop and implement litigation strategies; manage litigation costs; work with and manage outside counsel on lawsuits and regulatory investigations; provide advice on dispute resolution options.

- Assists in litigation matters including, but not limited to interaction with outside counsel, preparing pleadings, attending depositions and trials, conducting investigations, reviewing, evaluating and resolving such litigation while minimizing adverse publicity and monetary exposure, maximizing recovery and preserving or encouraging harmony in ongoing business relationships with third parties. Review and interpret evidence, judgements, reports and conduct thorough investigations related to litigation matters.

- Perform early cases assessments, privilege logs, discovery and evidence plans, motion practice plans, and overall provide strategic and tactical litigation management support.

- Collaborate with business units to identify and mitigate potential litigation risks.

- Offer legal guidance on risk management, compliance, company policies, corporate governance, and operational issues.

- Act as the legal representative and liaison for emergency management and incident response; advise stakeholders on best practices to mitigate risks during emergency situations.

- Support the continuous improvement of agreement templates, standard contract requirements, negotiation playbooks (and related guidance), and development or updates to contracting policies and procedures.

- Stay current on industry developments relating to construction law, litigation, emergency and incident response, with an enhanced focus on maintaining internal/external partnerships.

- Analyze and interpret federal, state, and local statutes, case law, ordinances, legislation, and regulations to determine their application to company business procedures, policy, and practices

- Identify and mitigate commercial and legal risks in prospective and existing contracts and ensure the necessary internal approvals from management and business units on prospective contracts have been obtained prior to binding.

- Evaluate, negotiate, draft and revise construction contracts that promote the best interests of the corporation and minimize disputes, including counseling business partners on insurance requirements and examining risk shifting provisions to help control and mitigate inherent project risks.

- Advise business partners during all phases of construction including the development and implementation of plans designed to move the project forward, minimize the risk of protracted conflicts and reduce costs.

- When construction disputes arise, work with business partners to achieve an informal, timely and cost-effective resolution and, if this is not possible, pursue the corporation’s interests through appropriate dispute resolution processes vigorously and efficiently.

- Collaborate with business partners and leaders to provide support and partnership on joint efforts and project development and implementation, including the drafting, negotiating and enforcement of contracts with vendors.

- Interface with and manage outside counsel to ensure alignment.

Required Skills:

- Business acumen and excellent commercial judgment required.

- Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical and deal-making skills required.

- Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and team environment required.

- Proven ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to non-legal stakeholders.

- Confident and self-aware with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. A high impact presence; capable of quickly establishing credibility, influencing constituencies, and persuading professional at all levels.

Qualifications

Required Background:

- A Juris Doctor Degree ABA-accredited law school and admission to bar of at least one state (successful applicant admitted outside of New Jersey will need to obtain NJ in-house counsel license)

- Minimum of 15 years of law firm and/or in-house litigation, transactional and construction experience.

Compensation Range:

$190,000- $220,000

We are committed to pay transparency and ensuring equitability compensation for all employees. The pay range for this position reflects the base salary only and does not include benefits, bonuses, or other forms of compensation that might be part of the total compensation package. The specific salary offered will be based on a candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience.

Explore the Possibilities

South Jersey Industries employs a diverse range of talent – from construction contractors to environmental specialists. Regardless of the position, mentoring and networking, hands-on experience, gaining industry knowledge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our business and in our communities are all exciting ways that we welcome our employees at SJI. And as a company committed to creating an engaging culture built on inclusion and diversity, you’re sure to find an opportunity that makes you feel included, empowered, and ready to “bring your whole self to work” every day.

Benefits Package Overview

SJI offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The SJI “Total Rewards” Benefits Package include:

- Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package

- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance

- 401(k), with generous company match

- Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

At this time, SJI is only considering applicants authorized to work in the United States currently and in the future without the need for visa sponsorship.