Associate General Counsel

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Position Summary

This litigation attorney is responsible for working with the other attorneys and staff in the Office of General Counsel in providing litigation-related support and counsel to the business operations of Duke Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  The position will be based in Plainfield, Indiana. 

This attorney will work under the direction of a Deputy General Counsel on defined legal problems or legal problems lacking clear precedent which require the application of specialized expertise and business acumen.  The incumbent’s primary duties will be to work on Indiana, Ohio & Kentucky and at times, company-wide pre-litigation and litigation matters arising out of the day-to-day functions of Duke Energy, including personal injury/property damage, wrongful death, commercial, asbestos, employment and specialized energy industry related matters.  Work will include non-routine matters and will require a broad and thorough understanding of Duke Energy’s business and the energy industry.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of litigation including investigation, analysis, discovery, presentation of witnesses, both fact and expert, and preparation of filings.
• Provide counsel to electric management and represent Duke Energy in a variety of proceedings involving energy matters. This can include arbitrations, litigation, and pre-litigation negotiations. Topics may include customers service matters, condemnation proceedings, personal injury including wrongful death cases, property damage including commercial claims, construction claims, contract claims and employment matters which require quick study and a desire to expand existing knowledge in regulated energy industry.
• Ability to research legal principles and precedents, consult with and manage outside counsel, draft and execute legal documents, and gather relevant case information using multiple sources and methods.
• When appropriate, work with and manage outside counsel to maximize efficiency and appropriately frame litigation strategies.
• Mediate and negotiate resolution of pre-litigation and litigation matters, obtaining the  best possible outcomes for Duke Energy’s business and its customers in a variety of contexts.
• Assist in litigation in other Duke Energy jurisdictions outside of Indiana, Ohio & Kentucky.
• Coordinate and collaborate with regulatory lawyers on regulatory matters that have a litigation overlap.
• Responsible for managing outside counsel to defend or prosecute appellate cases as needed arises.
• Provide legal advice to management regarding matters of complexity which may have a material dollar impact on business operations.
• Advice and counsel a variety of Indiana, Ohio & Kentucky business groups and clients.
• Oversee and manage internal reporting and compliance requirements with accuracy.
• Independently manage case load.
• Complex project management.
• Contribute to projects of significant importance to the Company from a risk, monetary, and policy perspective.  Work with and at the direction of the leader in the department.  
• Consult with team and Deputy General Counsel on legal issues with significant value, or which may have economic, political, or media implications for the Company.  
• Provide quality, timely legal advice to management for day-to-day matters and major ongoing legal projects that fall within the incumbent’s realm of expertise.
• Work to establish professional relationships within the Company related to areas of subject-matter expertise. 
• Monitor legal developments, legislation and pending legislation promulgated by the Federal government and the states in which the Company does business, to assess and advise implementation of and compliance with new laws, regulations.  
• Stays abreast of interpretations adversely affecting current methods of operations.  
• Maintain job-related technical knowledge and skills, and in-depth knowledge of issues relating to the utility industry.
• Lead and/or serve on committees, special projects, or other assignments as directed to further departmental goals.