Associate General Counsel

Envision a future powered by carbon-free energy. The way we generate, transmit, and use electricity is changing rapidly, and ALLETE is growing to support our commitment to 100% carbon free energy. ALLETE is an investor-owned energy company focused on building a sustainable energy future that is headquartered on Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota – with operations throughout the United States. ALLETE's largest business is Minnesota Power, an electric energy provider that serves about 145,000 customers, more than a dozen municipalities, and some of the nation's largest industrial customers. Other ALLETE businesses include Wisconsin-based Superior Water, Light & Power; ALLETE Clean Energy based in Duluth, Minnesota; BNI Energy in Bismarck, North Dakota; New Energy Equity headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland; and ALLETE Renewable Resources.  

ALLETE is seeking an Associate General Counsel to join our Corporate Legal Services department as a member of our Legal leadership team. This role involves significant interaction with senior management, including working closely with the Vice President of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, providing strategic advice on a variety of legal issues. When you join our Corporate Legal Services team, you will be responsible for assisting the Chief Legal Officer in all aspects of legal affairs and managing the regulatory, legislative, and real estate attorneys and efforts of the organization. Additionally, you will advise on policy development, implement regulatory strategy, and foster cross-departmental collaboration.

ALLETE offers a flexible, friendly work environment, expansive opportunities to grow and develop in your career, and a culture that drives excellence through our shared values of integrity, safety, people, and planet. We offer choice in the things that matter to you: your money, your health, your time, and your career. The compensation package includes a competitive, market-based salary, a robust retirement plan, medical and dental benefits, company supported continuing education, generous time off, professional development opportunities, an incentive plan, and other perks. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the efficient operation of the legal department by managing daily activities, workflows, processes, initiatives, projects, and resources.
• Lead and support the creation and execution of policies, plans, and initiatives within the legal department, ensuring they align with company objectives.
• Oversee the regulatory, legislative, and real estate functions within the legal department, offering guidance and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate in the facilitation and management of relationships between the legal department and corporate business units, fostering cross-departmental partnerships.
• Offer comprehensive legal counsel on a broad range of issues varying in complexity, influencing strategic decisions and reducing risk.
• Develop and execute regulatory strategies while managing relationships with outside counsel, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality representation that aligns with departmental goals and standards.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and prepare detailed documentation on complex issues, ensuring clarity and precision to inform decision-making.
• Prepare and present information to the Board of Directors, contributing to informed governance.
• Support department growth and development by regularly collaborating with the Chief Legal Officer to discuss planning and improvement initiatives.
  
• Mentor, guide, and manage legal staff, fostering a supportive and productive environment.
  
• Provide work direction and strategic guidance to department staff, leveraging strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain productive working relationships.
  
• Adapt to responsibilities, demonstrating flexibility while contributing to the overall success of the department. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree PLUS professional degree, Juris Doctor or equivalent, AND successful admission to the Minnesota State Bar is required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Twelve years or more of experience as an attorney with satisfactory work performance and previous leadership experience is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position may be considered for a hybr