Attorney I

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 across the state. 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 policies, statutes, orders, regulations, and contractual obligations.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings and assist in drafting 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 review of presentations and other meeting materials.
• Assist with preparation and review of legal documents, contracts and appellate briefs.
• Represent NYISO in regulatory proceedings, formal hearings, and rulemakings before administrative agencies such as FERC, NYPSC, NERC, NPCC, NYSRC, NAESB, and the Northeast Power Coordinating Council.
• Conduct research regarding laws, rulings and regulations and advise NYISO clients accordingly.
• Consult with colleagues in specialty areas to 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 agreements with neighboring regions.
• Conduct research on proposed legislation that might affect the organization.
• May specialize in a 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; 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 the 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 and 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.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, email 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. 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.

Salary Range

$92,300 - $153,900 USD

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