Counsel, Mergers & Acquisitions

Requisition ID: 110036 Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued. People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.About American WaterAmerican Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.Position Information $145,600 - $231,400The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionPrimary RoleProvide legal counsel and support to the Company on a wide range of corporate, transactional, and commercial matters, with a primary focus on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, and complex commercial contracts. The position will also support the business on governance, regulatory, and operational legal matters, with a strong opportunity to develop and expand utility and regulatory expertise, including in the water and wastewater sector.Key AccountabilitiesServe as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders, providing practical, business‑oriented legal advice across corporate and commercial matters.Lead and support M&A transactions, including stock purchases, asset purchases and related integration activities.Advise on regulatory and public utility considerations, specifically including managing the regulatory approvals for regulated acquisition and coordination with internal regulatory teams and external counsel (water/wastewater experience a strong plus).Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including service agreements, MSAs, NDAs, easements, real estate‑related agreements, and other operational contracts.Assist with matters involving environmental, compliance, and permitting issues, as applicable to transactions and operations (experience a plus, not required).Manage and oversee outside counsel to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective legal services.Collaborate effectively with colleagues across Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Government Affairs, and other corporate functions.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.Knowledge/SkillsStrong foundation in corporate law, M&A, and commercial contracts.Familiarity with regulated industries, public utilities, or infrastructure‑intensive businesses is strongly preferred.Working knowledge of environmental, real estate, or administrative law is a plus.Experience/EducationJuris Doctor from an accredited law school.Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience in M&A, corporate transactions, and/or commercial contracting, gained in a law firm and/or in‑house legal department.Demonstrated ability to manage complex transactions and multiple workstreams concurrently.Experience providing timely, actionable legal advice in a fast‑paced, business‑driven environment.Strong business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.Experience working collaboratively with cross‑functional stakeholders.Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (additional admissions a plus).Travel RequirementsOccasional travel, including to operating locations and transaction‑related meetings.Work Environment Hybrid in‑office/remote environment, as determined by business needs. Standard is 2 days remote, 3 in office.ScopeSupports corporate and operational legal matters across multiple business units and jurisdictions.Works on matters with significant strategic, financial, and regulatory impact.CompetenciesChampions safetyCustomer obsessedCultivates innovationNimble learningDrives ResultsCollaboratesJoin American Water...We Keep Life FlowingAmerican Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.