Sr Counsel - Regulatory & Pipeline Safety

Job Summary

• Provides legal advice to NiSource Utility Company clients located in Pennsylvania and Maryland, on matters of varying complexity, primarily focused on regulatory issues
• Advises clients on pipeline regulatory compliance, monitors pipeline safety regulations, advises on regulatory filings and tariff issues.
• Combines knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen and knowledge of business goals and objectives
• Position located in Canonsburg, PA. Travel throughout NiSource’s multistate footprint will be required
  
  

Essential Functions

• Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, business savvy legal counsel
• Manage complex matters
• Works with and manages outside counsel on select matters
• Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues, and provides applicable legal advice
• Drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents
• Negotiates with outside parties on utility regulatory matters
• Assists in training clients on legal issues
• Communicates with clients, including senior management, regarding problem solving and status updates
  
  

Practice Area Responsibilities

• Prosecute cases before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and Maryland Public Service Commission
• Manage all aspects of administrative litigation, including testimony, discovery, trial preparation, and litigation
• Provide counsel and representation on pipeline safety enforcement and compliance proceedings
• Monitor pipeline safety regulations and advise clients on responses to alleged violations
• Counsel clients on gas pipeline safety issues, including federal and state requirements, procedure, and compliance
• Prepare comments and responsive documents for rulemaking proceedings
• Assist in the drafting and review of legislation
• Draft and review application for regulatory filings such as financing approvals, rider updates, requests for waiver
• Prepare for and participate in all aspects of rate case proceedings, including discovery, witness preparation, cross-examination of adverse witnesses, and filing applications, motions, and briefs
• Advise and counsel clients on state regulatory requirements concerning compliance, customer service, rates and billing, special contracts, field operations, and construction projects
• Negotiate and draft contracts with customers for regulated tariffed services
• Represent the Company in investigations and customer complaints before regulatory commissions
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one state in the United States; member of the bar in good standing in Pennsylvania and Maryland is preferred or be willing to become barred in those states.
• Experience in the utility industry is strongly preferred
• Experience in rate cases and other major proceedings before state utility commissions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
• Experience with independent case responsibility and project management
• Ability to balance the legal issues of a project with the goals of the business through the demonstration of strong, pragmatic business acumen and the ability to recognize business consequences of legal advice
• Strong, logical legal mind with the ability to apply abstract concepts of law to make timely, well-reasoned and appropriate decisions to solve problems
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Strong advocacy skills
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively
• Ability to function autonomously and independently under deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to advise management of work progress and of unusual situations
• Adaptable to changing environments
• Able to work in a collaborative team environment, including with cross functional teams
• Exercise sound judgment
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engender trust, respect and confidence
• Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics
• Overtime and travel are required
• Hybrid work schedule with remote and in-office days
  
  

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection

Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement

Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

Salary Range*:

$155,400.00 - $233,100.00

• The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.
  
  

Posting Start Date:

2025-07-08

Posting End Date (if applicable):

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.