General Counsel (Benson)

Lead the legal strategy behind Arizona's energy future

At Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO), we don't just generate and deliver electricity-we power communities, economic growth, and a more resilient future across rural Arizona. As our next General Counsel , you will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, helping navigate the complex legal, regulatory, and business challenges shaping the energy industry.

The General Counsel (GC) reports to the CEO and leads the overall management of the legal affairs of Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO) and its subsidiaries and affiliates. The GC provides legal analysis, representation, advice and counsel in all areas of the law impacting the cooperative. This position provides strategic leadership in the areas of corporate and regulatory compliance, is a member of the Division Manager Team, provides support to the AEPCO Board of Directors' Policy and Legal Committee, manages legal department staff, oversees legal services, and directs outside counsel in litigation and other matters to promote and protect the interests of the cooperatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Arizona, or eligibility for admission on motion or Arizona in-house counsel registration.
• Excellent writing and drafting skills.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney in a utility or corporate law department, or equivalent experience in private practice or in a government setting.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in a formal or informal presentation environment.
• Demonstrated experience in promoting and working in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve conflicts and find solutions using judgment, tact and diplomacy.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements. Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of developments in regulations, laws, standards and best practices, including, in coordination with cooperative staff, standards of conduct, environmental and employment law, and applicable reliability and safety standards.
• Provide oral and written legal opinions and advice on contemplated actions of the Board, the CEO or management.
• Assist legal staff to develop, evaluate, and negotiate all major contracts to ensure they conform to the cooperatives' standards, policies, and expectations and are structured in the best interests of the cooperatives.
• Provide support with the negotiation, interpretation and development of financial instruments, outside auditor reports, insurance policies, and rights-of-way, property or lease acquisitions.
• Provide legal review of all employment practices, guidelines and documents. Provide guidance and advice in employment matters, disciplinary actions and union disputes.
• Provide legal support and counsel on matters coming before the Arizona Corporation Commission and other state and federal regulatory bodies, drafting and filing pleadings and testimony, conducting research, tracking, and monitoring dockets, appearing or preparing materials or witnesses on behalf of AEPCO in various proceedings, and directing the work of outside counsel and external technical expert resources as needed.
• Coordinate the selection and retention of outside legal counsel, monitor quality and costs of legal services performed, and direct tactical strategy in coordination with management.
• Prepare and present legal reports to Board of Directors and draft and revise policies and by-laws in coordination with Board Committee members, ensure that policies are updated to meet legal and regulatory requirements and changes in cooperative business structure and practices, and review Board minutes and resolutions.
• Manage Legal Department. Provide training, mentoring and direction to, and periodic evaluation of, managers and staff, and develops and monitors annual budget. Organize and coordinate personnel, activities and organization, case management, and access to legal materials and resources.
• Ensure compliance with and provide training on management principles, policies, guidelines, in particular the employee code of conduct and conflict of interest rules, and other ethical considerations.

This role offers a rare chance to combine executive leadership, legal expertise, and public service impact. You will help shape decisions that affect energy reliability, economic development, and the future of electric cooperatives and public power throughout Arizona.

If you are a seasoned legal professional seeking a mission driven leadership position where your experience directly impacts organizational strategy and community outcomes, we invite you to explore this opportunity.