Closing Date: 28th April, 2024
Description:
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. 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. Over time, the Agency's role has expanded to include the also administration of programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in pursuit of achieving the State Renewable Portfolio Standard and generally fulfilling the clean energy objectives of Illinois. For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/The Deputy Legal Counsel will work on cutting edge legal and policy issues in the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy policy under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel and assist in the management and oversight of the Agency's legal team. These opportunities include management of renewable energy incentive programs, energy policy and procurement, equity and workforce development requirements, labor law, consumer protection, contract development, legislative review, litigation, and administrative law.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- 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.
- Assist the Chief Legal Counsel in management of the Agency's legal team, including the supervision, training, and development of the Associate Legal Counsel and Legal Fellowship positions.
- Lead the legal team in litigation 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.
- Advise Agency staff in interpretation of 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 renewable programs and procurements.
- Identify and resolve risks to successful program implementation and faithful execution of the IPA Act.
- Research and formulate guidance on legal issues for both internal and external constituencies, including conflict of interests, ethics, public records, and more.
- Assist the Chief Legal Counsel, Director, and Legislative Liaison with the review and analysis of proposed legislation, including legislation impacting the Agency or the industry in which the Agency operates.
- Assist the Chief Legal Counsel with the development, adoption, and implementation of administrative rules promulgated by the Agency.
- 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:
- At least five years of legal experience in the energy, utility, environmental, and/or public interest fields.
- 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.
- Experience in managing litigation, including developing litigation strategy.
- 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:
- Experience managing a team of attorneys in a dynamic and rapidly-evolving area of law.
- Strong interest in clean energy and environmental policy.
