The Illinois Power Agency is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel focused on the Agency’s work in equity and environmental justice. Under the direction of the Agency’s Chief Legal Counsel, the Associate Legal Counsel will work on cutting edge legal and equity policy issues in the rapidly expanding field of renewable energy policy. The Associate Legal Counsel will have the opportunity to develop and implement policies required to meet the Agency’s equity and workforce requirements under Public Act 102-0662, including those surrounding the Equity Accountability System (a set of policies intended to promote equity across the clean energy economy), workforce Minimum Equity Standards applicable to renewable energy companies participating in IPA programs and procurements, a racial disparity and -availability study, and other initiatives.

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to procure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. As a leading innovator in state clean energy policy, the State of Illinois is on the forefront of designing policies that not only increase the deployment of renewable energy, but do so in a way that protects consumers, prioritizes access for low- and moderate-income households, and ensures equitable distribution of the economic benefits of the clean energy transition. For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Advise the Chief Legal Counsel, Planning and Procurement Bureau Chief, and Chief DEI Officer, and program managers on interpretation of the Illinois Power Agency Act, the Public Utilities Act, and other applicable State and federal laws and regulations.

·       Research and formulate guidance on legal issues related to the implementation of the Equity Accountability System, the completion of the Agency’s racial disparity study, and potentially other IPA activities as required for both internal and external constituencies.

·       Assist in the implementation of the Equity Accountability System and drafting biennial revisions to the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan.

·       Draft and revise legal briefs, memoranda, reports, and communications for various internal and external audiences.

·       Represent the Agency along with the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel in litigation before the Illinois Commerce Commission, including in docketed proceedings seeking approval of the IPA’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan and other proceedings implicating Agency interests or jurisdiction.

·       Participate in Agency-level policy discussions related to equity initiatives; work directly with Agency management to achieve equitable outcomes in program administration; coordinate with staff and consultants in review and analysis of agency programs and procurements to ensure policy objectives are met.

·       Support Legal Bureau in responding to FOIA requests, Illinois Department of Labor investigations, and other inter-agency or public reporting processes.

·       Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

·       A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Illinois bar.  The Agency will also consider applications from individuals with pending membership in Illinois bar, or membership in another state bar and willingness to take the Illinois bar exam within 6 months.

·       Experience in public policy, equity programs, and/or disparity studies

·       Motivated independent worker, comfortable taking the lead on assigned issues.

·       Strong legal research, writing (especially persuasive writing), and editing skills.

·       Attention to detail, ability to become familiar with technical and complex information on short time frames, strong critical thinking and analytic skills.

·       Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Two (2) years of legal experience within the fields of energy and/or environmental law.

·       Experience in conducting studies related to the disparate historical impact of discrimination and/or pollution on particular communities and/or populations.

·       Strong interest in clean energy policy, particularly solar energy.

The Associate Legal Counsel is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

This is a merit compensation position.  Position Salary Range: $72,000 – $92,000.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The position is a hybrid position and may require in-office work on a periodic basis.

To apply, please submit: (1) a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position; (2) a resume; (3) a writing sample; and (4) three professional references along with your online application to https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/42203/.  Applications submitted without each of these elements will not be reviewed for consideration. No phone calls please.

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.