GENERAL COUNSEL Position Available In Madison, Alabama

GENERAL COUNSEL

(3430)
Requisition ID 3430

• Posted 04/24/2025
  Huntsville Utilities offers a customer service driven environment, with access to industry-leading technology that supports our employee’s work and resources to drive career advancement.

Join Us at Huntsville Utilities, where our team is customer service-driven and uniquely focused on one goal: To provide high quality, low cost, safe and reliable electric, natural gas and water service to our customers.
Compensation

Executive/Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Executive

Benefits:

Yes

Employment Type:

Full Time

Department:

Joint Job Statement
Provide independent legal counsel to the Boards regarding management decisions and the overall functioning of Huntsville Utilities. Serve as a legal adviser with responsibility for litigation, contracts, and labor and employment matters. Maintain accurate and complete case files. Provide guidance to manage risk and ensure compliance with rules, regulations, laws and internal governance policies and procedures. Provide input to the CEO, executive team and the Boards to facilitate effective strategic planning.
Essential Duties
Provide expert and strategic legal advice to the Boards and management.
Identify, track, and maintain all company legal proceedings, filings, and documents.
Oversee significant research and writing responsibilities in all areas including, but not limited to: pleadings, litigation assessment and evaluation, issue identification and analysis.
Communicate and present on-going legal updates to the Boards, management and employee groups.
Counsel all departments regarding the legal risks and obligations relative to those departments.
Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations within area of expertise.
Manage, with or without outside counsel, all litigation and administrative proceedings affecting Huntsville Utilities, to include mediation and alternative dispute resolution when appropriate.
Manage the review and/or execution of binding documents: this may include contracts with suppliers and vendors, various purchasing contracts, partnerships, rate negotiations, and internal policy.
Directly supervise the EEO Manager and Compliance Manager and oversee the work of the EEO Office and the Compliance Office. Additional Duties
Provide legal expertise with employee/labor relations related claims as well as customer or general public related claims.
Prepare written and/or oral responses to various regulatory inquiries and engage with regulatory examinations conducted by external agencies.
Respond to all Open Records Requests.
Anticipate issues and estimate risks strategically.
Identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks.
Base decision-making process on ethics and integrity.
Work productively with external parties (regulators, external counsel, elected officials and customers).
Attract, develop, direct, motivate and drive employees for maximum performance.
Keep abreast of legislative changes and engage with elected officials and legislative staff when needed.
As requested by the President/CEO, represent the company and/or make presentations to City Council, other governmental agencies, professional and civic associations, and internal employee groups.
Job Requirements

Education/Training/Certifications:

Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited Law School with admission to the Alabama State Bar Association, remain a member in good standing of the

Alabama Bar Association,:

strong academic credentials.

Experience/Skill:

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in an area applicable to the effective counsel for a public utility company, to include: employee relations, labor and employment law, litigation, contracts, negotiations, legal and industry compliance and regulations

• required.
  High degree of professional ethics and integrity
• required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• required.
  Management experience in public utilities, customer service or corporate communications/public relations
• preferred.
  Previous experience working with Boards and ability to communicate to Boards, City Council, and customer groups
• preferred.

Additional Requirements

Physical Demands/Environmental Conditions:

Primarily sedentary activity in office environment. Little exposure to severe weather or hazardous conditions. May involve long work days and potentially stressful situations.

Equipment:

Personal Computer, telephone, vehicle.

Other:

Must have excellent interpersonal, leadership, writing and speaking skills. Should be self-starter and innovative. Available to respond quickly as issues arise, able to handle stressful circumstances with a calm and professional demeanor at all times.
Competencies
Accepting Responsibility
Acting Strategically
Acting with Integrity
Building and Demonstrating Respect
Communicating Effectively
Demonstrates Required Job Knowledge
Drives Quality & Excellence
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
Safety
Supporting Organizational Goals
Solving Complex Problems
Education
Longevity
Relevant Job Experience
Huntsville Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
The duties and responsibilities outlined within this job description should not be construed as a complete and exhaustive list, as it is not the intention to limit in any way the scope or functions of this position. With the advisement from the Department Head, review/analysis by Compensation Analyst and in agreement from the VP EE, HRD, or his/her designee, these duties and responsibilities may be amended from time to time by addition, deletion or modification to reflect changing circumstances or shifts in organizational requirements.