The Illinois Power Agency is seeking a Deputy Legal Counsel. Under the direction of the Agency’s Chief Legal Counsel, the Deputy Legal Counsel will work on cutting edge legal and policy issues in the rapidly expanding field of renewable energy policy. The Deputy Legal Counsel will have the opportunity to translate the Agency’s mandate under Illinois law into effective policies to manage renewable energy incentive programs, create energy policy, conduct procurements, encourage the establishment of an equitable renewable energy workforce, and work on diverse matters arising from litigation, administrative law, legislative initiatives, labor law, consumer protection, and contract development.

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

·       Support the Chief Legal Counsel in management of the Agency’s legal team, including the supervision, training, and professional development of the Associate Legal Counsel and Legal Fellow positions.

·       With the Chief Legal Counsel, develop litigation strategy, draft legal briefs, and participate in administrative hearings before the Illinois Commerce Commission, in both the administrative processes seeking approval of the Agency’s procurement plans and other docketed proceedings implicating IPA interests or jurisdiction.

·       Contribute to the development and preparation of procurement plans, including annual updates to the Agency’s Electricity Procurement Plan, biennial revisions to the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and any future planning processes.

·       Interpret and advise the Director and Agency staff on the requirements of the Illinois Power Agency Act, the Public Utilities Act, and other applicable State and federal laws and regulations in the administration of the Agency’s energy-related procurements and renewable programs.

·       Assist the Chief Legal Counsel, Director, and Agency staff with the review and analysis of proposed legislation, including legislation impacting the Agency or the industry in which the Agency operates.

·       Participate in Agency-level policy discussions; work directly with Agency management; gather and provide information to the Director and Chief Legal Counsel for review; coordinate with staff and consultants in review and analysis of agency programs and procurements to ensure policy objectives are met.

·       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 licensed attorneys with pending membership applications to the Illinois bar, or membership in another state bar and willingness to take the Illinois bar exam within 6 months.

·       At least five years of legal experience in the energy, utility, environmental, and/or public interest fields.

·       Strong leadership, management, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop and execute a strategy to achieve desired outcomes.

·       Organized and detail-oriented, with an ability to quickly learn technical and complex information.

·       Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.

·       Comfortable conducting multiple lines of research or inquiry in parallel.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Litigation experience, including developing litigation strategy and/or participation in proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or the public utility commission of another state.

·       Experience in the fields of energy policy, renewable energy policy, or environmental policy.

·       Experience managing a team of attorneys in a dynamic and rapidly-evolving area of law.

·       Commitment to public service and passion for advancing clean energy.

The Deputy 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: $105,000-125,000.  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/42202/.  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.