Attorney

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future.  The NYISO’s Legal department invites applications for a full-time Attorney I.

Attorneys assist with providing legal assessments, interpretations, and recommendations to internal NYISO clients regarding NYISO policies, federal and state statutes, court and regulatory agency orders, regulations and contractual obligations.  Attorneys advise and prepare legal documents for, NYISO clients on matters related to energy and other areas of law under the guidance and direction of a Senior Attorney.

This Attorney will also assist the Senior Compliance Attorney with issues related to the NYISO's corporate compliance program.  This includes matters under the Code of Conduct and related to NERC, NPCC, NYSRC, NAESB, confidentiality, and CEII.  This also includes managing litigation and document holds and the processing of data requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Draft pleadings and assist with the drafting of more complex pleadings for filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC), including tariff amendments, answers to comments, waiver requests and applications.
• Provide support to internal NYISO clients on matters before the NYISO’s shared governance process, including the review of presentations and other meeting materials.
• Assist with the preparation and review of legal documents, contracts and appellate briefs.
• Assist with representing the NYISO in regulatory proceedings, formal hearings, and  rulemakings before administrative agencies and bodies including the FERC, NYPSC, North American Electric Reliability Company, North American Energy Standards Board, Northeast Power Coordinating Council and New York State Reliability Council.
• Conduct research regarding laws, rulings and regulations.  Assist with providing advice to NYISO clients regarding same.
• Confer with colleagues with specialty in areas of law and NYISO market design, electric utility planning or electric utility operation personnel to help develop NYISO position or legal strategy.
• Review, interpret and propose modifications to NYISO and department policies to protect NYISO interests and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and contractual requirements. 
• Represent legal department at internal NYISO committees as requested.
• Gather evidence and information for management decision making.
• Assist with negotiation of contracts with vendors, or of agreements with neighboring regions.
• Conduct research regarding proposed legislation that might affect the organization.
• May specialize in specific area of law or specific aspects of the NYISO’s business.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school required. Excellent academic credentials required.
• Three years of significant related experience practicing before FERC or a state regulatory commission on energy matters; experience at an ISO/RTO, public utility, energy marketing company or a legal position at a state Public Service Commission (PSC); or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Recent law school graduates with exceptional academic credentials may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

License to practice law required.  Admission to Bar in New York and the District of Columbia desired.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to analyze and interpret complex documents.

• Ability to write and effectively edit legal documents, contracts, speeches, presentations and articles.

• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to NYISO stakeholders, government representatives, management, public groups and/or boards of directors.

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistics.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet programs.

• Proficient in legal research tools and programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Contact with staff and public will occur.  Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training.  This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Salary Range$92,300—$153,900 USD