The Psychology of the Job Offer - Part II

Posted on December 4, 2008 by Courtney Sapire

Given the state of this economy, I thought this topic deserved some additional attention (See Part I). Even in an economic downturn, companies continue to hire lawyers – but they hire lawyers with different specialties than the ones who are in demand when business is good.

Corporations are trimming budgets now, and in an effort to reduce outside counsel spending, many are adding to their legal departments.   At the same time, candidates are skittish about making career moves in this market.   “Bonus-driven cultures” are growing more distant in the rearview mirror, and prospective in-house attorneys are now focused on base salary, job security, and corporate financial viability. Despite lay-offs, falling stock prices and general gloom and doom, recruiting top candidates is not any easier! 

 

A strong first offer still makes a powerful impression, and will increase the odds of landing an in-house counsel that may save the company hundreds of thousands in legal fees.

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Assistant General Counsel - Boston, MA or Washington, D.C.

Posted on November 29, 2008 by Courtney Sapire

We have been retained by National Grid USA to conduct a search for an Assistant General Counsel - Federal Regulatory. The position will be based either in the company's U.S. headquarters located near Boston, or in Washington D.C.

National Grid USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Grid plc. National Grid’s core U.S. business is the delivery of electricity and natural gas. National Grid is one of the ten largest utilities (by number of customers) in the U.S. and has the largest electricity transmission and distribution network in the New England/New York region. National Grid plc is an international network utility with principal activities in the regulated electricity and natural gas industries.  It is one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the world.  The company’s headquarters are in London, and it is listed on the London (Symbol: NG) and New York (Symbol: NGG) stock exchanges.

 

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel – Regulatory, the AGC – Federal Regulatory is responsible for all federal legal matters for the company and will be the primary point of contact for the legal department to the transmission function.

Additional responsibilities:

  • Assumes primary responsibility for federal energy regulatory matters.
  • Manages and supervises a team of 4-6 in-house attorneys and outside counsel.
  • Provides legal advice and counsel to senior management in electric distribution and transmission functions.
  • Assists in the monitoring of gas pipeline filings affecting transportation capacity held by gas distribution companies in four states.

Requirements:

  • 10-20+ years of experience on FERC matters.
  • Experience managing attorneys within a corporate legal department.

In addition to an outstanding career opportunity and a fantastic work environment, the company offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a pension plan.  

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Corporate Counsel - Dallas

Posted on November 29, 2008 by Courtney Sapire

Large energy company headquartered in Dallas seeks a 3+ year attorney to join its growing legal team. The position will focus on state energy regulatory work, but will secondarily include business transactions and legislative affairs. The role offers a hands-on opportunity to gain immediate experience in the energy regulatory and policy arena while under excellent mentorship.

Responsibilities include:

 

·         Providing support in connection with PUC and FERC regulatory matters, including representing the company at hearings and proceedings

·         Handling franchise agreements and other commercial transactions

·         Providing support in connection with legislative affairs and public policy matters

 

In addition to offering access to one of the largest energy infrastructures in the world, the company offers significant internal opportunities, a competitive compensation plan and a comprehensive benefits package.   

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Tax Counsel - Houston

Posted on August 5, 2008 by Courtney Sapire

Global energy company seeks a 5+ year international tax attorney to support regional upstream projects. The role is responsible for ensuring the businesses supported are in full compliance with all tax laws and regulations in each country of operation in the region, while also optimizing the company's tax position.

The tax counsel will be the single point of accountability for providing tax advice to the businesses supported. This will include ensuring the company's tax team and external advisors are engaged and informed of projects within the tax counsel's responsibility. The tax counsel will routinely interact with the relevant commercial and function contacts to ensure that the tax team is aware of operations in the region and proper tax support is being provided.

The company offers an outstanding benefits package and work environment, along with a collaborative legal team.

The tax counsel will ensure compliance with the tax laws in each of the countries where the businesses supported operate, including review and support of outsource compliance functions.

Qualifications include: A tax background to support international operations (minimum of five years of relevant experience).

Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex, cross-jurisdictional issues in a concise, articulate manner, both written and oral. Spanish or Portuguese capabilities a plus.
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