Principal Attorney I (Finance & Bond)

Summary

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, energy asset acquisitions, project financing, 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 taxable and tax exempt financing, asset acquisitions, and project financing. #LI-CJ1

Responsibilities

Work independently on assignments and provide legal advice and counsel on complex matters and transactions for specific business clients

Supervise and review work product of legal support staff and outside counsel

Apply independent judgment to provide strategic legal guidance to accomplish operations goals in a specific area of expertise

Draft legal opinions and briefs on complex or difficult issues

Handle matters related to energy asset acquisitions and project financings for NYPA and its affiliates

Evaluate the impact of recent changes in law, rules and regulations related to NYPA, its subsidiaries, and affiliates on existing and planned projects and programs and provide recommendations to General Counsel or senior leadership to overcome potential adverse effects

Conduct intricate legal analysis of complex or difficult issues and draft legal opinions and briefs

Effectively and professionally deliver presentations to employees at all levels of NYPA’s organization

Independently handle cases on behalf of NYPA and/or its subsidiaries in judicial or other administrative forums

Handle special projects on behalf of the General Counsel or senior leadership

Collaborate with business unit clients to maintain and implement legal strategies that further NYPA and its subsidiaries’ programmatic and business interests

Present/communicate to senior leadership legal analysis on issues and their potential impact on NYPA’s and its subsidiaries’ business operations and collaborate with senior leadership to implement recommended actions and/or responses

Develop and implement effective processes, standards, and operational plans or improvements that will impact the achievement of result and/or efficiencies in current practice and operations within the Law Department and NYPA’s business units

Prepare and deliver training materials and presentations on distinct areas of law and their impact to NYPA and its subsidiaries’ business-related programs and business activities

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 Assistant General Counsel as needed

Work closely with outside counsel to develop case and matter strategies, monitor billing practices, and review and approve invoices

Report on major project developments to an Assistant General Counsel and/or General Counsel

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to lead multi-discipline complex matters and technical projects independently and achieve a favorable outcome for NYPA and its subsidiaries

Ability to resolve complex issues and provide timely responses and guidance to business unit clients on more complex legal issues without the opportunity to conduct legal research

Ability to develop or maintain trusted working internal and external relationships at various levels at NYPA and its subsidiaries

Demonstrates mastery level judgment and decision making skills

Maintain mastery level case management and time management skills

Possess mastery level of oral and written communication skills

Be skillful in guiding and giving support to less senior legal staff

Ability to develop or maintain mastery level knowledge in a subject areas relevant to NYPA

Must have or have the ability to acquire a deep understanding of laws, rules and regulations related to NYPA and its subsidiaries

Demonstrated leadership skills

Education, Experience and Certifications

Juris Doctor Degree

• Admitted to practice in New York State and Federal court is required
• Minimum 8 years of legal experience as a practicing attorney
• Experience in one or more of the following areas of law relevant to NYPA, such as energy, 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: $184,000-$230,000. 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 [email protected].