Counsel / Senior Counsel

The Counsel or Senior Counsel will effectively and efficiently provide legal counsel and support to the subsidiaries of the Southern Company on federal environmental laws and regulation and associated litigation matters. This position will report to the Associate General Counsel of Environmental Policy and Litigation in the SCS Legal Department.

LOCATION

Birmingham, Alabama or Atlanta, Georgia

Responsibilities

• Counsel and support business units on federal environmental law and regulation and associated litigation matters
• Collaborate with various environmental and natural resource teams and leaders across the system
• Direct and manage outside counsel
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate General Counsel
  
  

Job Requirements

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school with strong academic credentials (required)
• Licensed to practice law in Georgia and/or Alabama, and in good standing with the Bar
• Approximately 4-7 years of experience practicing environmental law either as a governmental agency lawyer, or in a large, nationally recognized law firm or corporate law department representing Fortune 500 clients (required)
• Experience with a variety of environmental matters including review of environmental provisions in transactional matters, managing environmental litigation or permitting matters, analyzing statutes and regulations, and providing legal advice related to environmental compliance with the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act
• Knowledge of relevant utility statues, regulations, and guidance documents related to the business preferred.
• Ability to quickly assess risks and communicate complex information in a simple and timely manner, including to executive leadership
• Able to work effectively with all levels of internal client organization
• Possess the ability to determine priorities and meet the deadlines required with minimal supervision
• Extensive analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work autonomously on complex projects
  
  

Major Job Responsibilities

• Counsel clients on compliance with environmental law and regulation
• Assist with developing environmental policy and strategy in response to environmental law and regulation
• Provide legal counsel, draft agreements, and negotiate environmental terms and conditions for a broad range of transactions for business units system-wide
• Perform advanced legal and factual research
• Manage environmental litigation and litigation arising under the Administrative Procedure Act
• Manage documentation associated with commercial and legal disputes
• Effectively and efficiently work with and manage outside counsel on environmental legal matters
• Assist other members of the legal team by performing other assignments, as directed
• Possess excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills
• Be a team player and have exceptional client service skills
• Show initiative and the ability to prioritize work
• Ability to appreciate and maintain strict confidentiality
• Perform work and act in an honest, highly ethical and professional manner that demonstrates “Our Values” as set by Southern Company
  
  

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

• Possess excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills
• Be a team player and have exceptional client service skills
• Show initiative and the ability to prioritize work
• Ability to appreciate and maintain strict confidentiality
• Perform work and act in an honest, highly ethical and professional manner that demonstrates “Our Values” as set by Southern Company
  
  

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 16386

Job Category: Legal & Compliance

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services