Special Counsel I

Provides legal advice/counsel to all NYPA’s business and functional areas. Researches, analyzes, and interprets proposed and existing laws, statutes, and regulations. Identifies, monitors, and addresses issues of legal risk. Informs and contributes to the structuring, drafting, negotiating and/or approval of legal contracts, letters of agreement, policies and other documents. May represent NYPA during litigation, arbitration, mediation or other disputes with courts, government agencies, or other legal authorities. Specialties may include but are not limited to Contract Management, Employment Law, Governmental/Regulatory Affairs and Litigation.

Responsibilities

- Work closely with the EVP and General Counsel and collaborate with Assistant General Counsels to provide expert legal advice and counsel to senior executive leadership on matters of strategic importance to NYPA and/or its subsidiaries

- Provide advice and counsel to the General Counsel and senior leadership in the handling of complex cases having a significant impact on NYPA’s and/or its subsidiaries’ operations and strategies that may involve facts open to interpretation where legal precedent may not exist

- Propose solutions and influence business decisions by executive leadership on complex matters of critical importance

- Recommend operational strategies with direct impact on results

- Identifies risks and constraints and proposal actionable plans for solution implementation

- Oversee special projects and assign team members to serve on task forces and/or committees assembled to explore and implement new programs to be delivered by NYPA and its subsidiaries

- Advise senior leadership on the feasibility and projects and or programs needed for changes in law and regulation

- Lead team members in developing sophisticated legal analysis and diagnostics to creatively build strategic positions that will advance business objectives

- Approve the department’s training materials/presentations for distinct areas of law and their impact to organizational and business-related programs

- Serve on committees and/or task forces in a legal advisory capacity, providing legal support as needed to achieve the goals of the committee and/or task force and report to General Counsel and or senior leadership as needed

- Manages experienced professionals, supervisors and/or managers who exercise latitude and independence in assignments

- Sets goals and objectives for team members for achievement of operational results. Manages staff including performance reviews, salary administration, and succession.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Expert knowledge in business activities related to a critical function and or its subsidiaries

- Ability to creatively and effectively solve problems of diverse scope and substantial complexity

- Demonstrate broad knowledge of organizational business activities and how they interact and serve its mission and strategic vision

- Solid understanding of legal and public policy implications of organizational business operations

- Advanced in-depth understanding of an organization’s past and current operational structure, its mission, policies and relationships between local, state and federal government

- Proven high level leadership and management skills with experience providing mentorship to team members

- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

- Strong and creative negotiating skills

- Demonstrates consistently expert judgment and decision-making ability on highly complex issues

Education, Experience and Certifications

- Juris Doctor Degree, admission to the New York State Bar and admitted to practice in New York State and Federal courts is required

- 7 or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience preferred

- 3 or more years of experience managing employees/leading a team preferred

- Expertise in one or more of the following areas of law relevant to NYPA, such as energy, regulatory, litigation, commercial and finance, and employment

- Experience in utility industry preferred

Physical Requirements

- Up to 25% travel primarily within NY State

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $194,000-$242,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.

NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.