Associate Attorney I - II

Job Description

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.
Starting Salary Range: $107,000.00 - $131,700.00
Starting Salary:
Associate Attorney I:
$68,600 - $81,600
Associate Attorney II: $104,400 - $128,500
Position
Summary:
This is an entry level position. Prosecutes and defends civil lawsuits, drafts and negotiates transactional legal documents, provides written and oral advice to employer and utility staff as to legal rights and issues. Reviews policies and other documents. Performs legal research on various subject matters.
Essential
Functions:
Advises employer concerning the legality and liability associated with business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, and other legal rights and obligations.
Conducts

witness

interviews

and

investigations.
Evaluates

findings,

recommends

strategy,

and

prepares

legal

arguments.
Keeps

updated

on

statutes,

judicial

decisions,

regulations,

and

ordinances.
Conducts all work under the supervision of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.
Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations.
Prepares,

files,

and

argues

legal

motions

and

briefs.
Prepares

and

drafts

legal

documents,

such

as

deeds,

easements,

leases,

and

contracts.
Prepares

opinions

on

legal

compliance.
Represents

employer

in

court,

quasi-judicial

bodies,

or

before

governmental

agencies.
Drafts

corporate

policy

documents.
Advises

employer

and

internal

clients.
Performs

multiple

tasks

efficiently

as

to

meet

deadlines.
Other

duties

as

assigned

by

supervisor.
Expected

to

comply

with

all

BWL

policies

and

work

rules.
Reliable and predictable
attendance.
Job
Specifications:
Required:
Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Must be member in good standing of the Michigan State
Bar.
General knowledge of municipal law, utility law and administrative
law.
Must possess and apply a broad knowledge of legal matters and the law to the completion of
assignments.
Knowledge and ability to prepare and file motions, briefs, and memoranda, as well as appear
in
court on behalf of
employer
.
Strong writing and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to multitask under tight time constraints.
Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft
Word.
Fundamental Legal Writing Skills
Experience conducting legal and computer-assisted legal research
.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational
levels.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced
environment.
Ability to exercise exceptional discretion and
confidentiality.
Ability to enter and retrieve data from computerized, typed, and written
sources.
Ability to interact with governmental
agencies.
Preferred:
Prior experience practicing
law.
Familiarity with laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances governing public entities.
Prior experience in areas of law relevant to energy, government or business (e.g., administrative, employment, or environmental law).
Additional Responsibilities & Requirements:
Associate Attorney II: Starting Salary

$
104,400 - 128,500

In addition to this level: This is an intermediate level position requiring prior experience and the ability to perform duties and responsibilities of the position with a moderate level of supervision and oversight. Represents employer in court or before quasi-judicial tribunals or administrative agencies of government.
Essential Functions:
Coordinates, as needed, under supervision of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.
Required:
This intermediate level position requires a minimum of four years of post-bar admission legal experience.
Experience in areas of law relevant to energy, government, or business, e.g. administrative, employment or environmental law.
Increasing ability to operate independently of supervision; demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of law (e.g. employment, contract, litigation); manage all the tasks within that area of expertise. Must possess and apply a broad knowledge of legal matters and the law to the completion of assignments.
Knowledge and ability to prepare and file motions, briefs, and memoranda, as well as appear in court on behalf of employer.
Strong writing and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to multitask under tight time constraints.
Experience conducting legal and computer- assisted legal research.
Additional requirements as listed on the full description.
Physical Requirements / Working
Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs.
Constantly works in a temperature-controlled office
environment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.
Why Should You Apply?
Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.

Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.

Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.

Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's Home Purchase Plan - Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.

Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year.

Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.

Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more!

About BWL:
The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

The Location:
Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation's premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER