Agency:  Illinois Power Agency
Closing Date/Time:  TBD

Salary:  $72,000 - $92,000
Job Type:  Exempt
County:  Cook
Number of Vacancies:  1
Plan/BU:  N/A

Work Hours:  M-F, 9AM to 5PM 
Work Location:   105 West Madison Street

                              Suite 1401

                              Chicago, IL 60602
Agency Contact: ipa.contactus@illinois.gov  
Job Function: Legal and Compliance

                         Energy/Utilities

                         Risk Management

                           Fiscal/Finance/Business

Illinois Power Agency

Associate Legal Counsel

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel. Under the direction of the Agency Chief Legal Counsel, the Associate Legal Counsel will be responsible for working primarily with the Legal team, but will also work closely with the Agency Acting Director, the Planning and Procurement Bureau Chief, Chief DEI Officer, program managers, and outside consultants.

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to conduct procurement events to ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. The Agency also conducts procurements and administers programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in accordance to the State Renewable Portfolio Standard. For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

The Associate Legal Counsel will work on cutting-edge legal and policy issues in a rapidly evolving field under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel.  These opportunities include work focused on the ongoing management of renewable energy incentive programs, energy policy and procurement, contract development, legislative review, litigation, and administrative law.

 Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the legal team and Agency staff in the development and preparation of procurement plans, including the Agency’s annual Electricity Procurement Plan, biennial revisions to the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and any future planning processes.
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel in litigation before the Illinois Commerce Commission, including litigation seeking approval of the IPA’s procurement plans and docketed proceedings implicating Agency interests or jurisdiction.
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel, Planning and Procurement Bureau Chief, Chief DEI Officer, and program managers with interpretation of the Illinois Power Agency Act and other applicable Illinois and federal laws and regulations in the administration of the Agency’s procurements and programs.
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel in researching and formulating guidance on legal issues for both internal and external constituencies.
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Legislative Counsel with the review and analysis of proposed legislation, including legislation impacting the Agency or the industry in which the Agency operates. 
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel with the development, adoption, and implementation of administrative rules promulgated by the Agency. 
• In coordination with the Director, the Bureau Chief of the Procurement and Planning Bureau, the Chief Legal Counsel, and the Deputy Legal Counsel, assist in developing IPA positions in contested matters and in anticipation of contested matters.
• Under the supervision of the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel, provide legal representation in other matters involving the IPA.
• Represent the Agency at meetings, conferences, and other gatherings, as needed.
• Participate in Agency-level policy discussions; work directly with Agency management; gather and provide information to the Director and Chief Legal Counsel for review; coordinate with staff and consultants in review and analysis of agency programs and procurements to ensure policy objectives are met.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Illinois Bar (or membership in another state bar and willingness to take the Illinois bar exam within six (6) months).
• At least three (3) years of experience in the practice of law is required.

Additional Attributes Preferred but not Required

• At least two (2) years of experience in the energy, environmental, legislative, or administrative law fields is highly preferred.
• Previous experience with state government, renewable energy issues, energy policy issues, or energy procurement or contracting matters is preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.

The Associate Legal Counsel is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

This is a merit compensation position.  Position Salary Range: $72,000 - $92,000.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and three professional references along with your online application to State of Illinois Success Factors.

Applications without a cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience and why the applicant would be a strong candidate for this position will not be reviewed for consideration.

No phone calls please.

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.