Counsel Litigation And Claims

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with substantial company match
• Life and Travel Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Paid Holidays and Vacation

What is a Counsel – Litigation & Claims?

This Counsel – Litigation & Claims position is responsible for providing legal guidance on all claims and legal matters directly and indirectly affecting Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The position requires independent, sound business judgment and frequent contact with litigants, claimants, judges, mediators, various business departments within Central Hudson, outside counsel and external parties (including customers).

The Counsel – Litigation & Claims provides insightful, high quality, and timely legal advice and counsel in support of the business operations and policy objectives of the Company.  The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to develop relationships and work cooperatively with outside counsel, other NYS utilities and third parties on a broad scope of legal issues, proceedings, matters and litigations.  While the position is based in Poughkeepsie, NY frequent travel to any courts, EBTs, mediation or site visits in the Company’s mid-Hudson Valley service territory is required.

What does a Counsel – Litigation & Claims do?

• Works with and is tasked with assignments by other internal legal counsel on matters relating to litigations and Claims.
• Handles, investigates, litigations and settles claims for property damage and bodily injuries resulting from the operations of the Company. 
• Performs legal research, prepares motions and memos, and participates in specials projects to assist General Counsel and Outside Counsel in the defense of lawsuits and Claims brought against the corporation.
• Manages the portfolio of lawsuits brought against the Company, including the assignment of defense counsel and experts as needed.
• Coordinates the flow of legal documents and information regarding the status of cases between the Claims division, General Counsel, and outside counsel. 
• Advises and assists other Company personnel regarding legal and Claims matters, including contract review.
• Seeks to either litigate or resolve claims and/or litigations, on a fair and reasonable basis, whenever possible and make recommendations on whether to settle lawsuits or proceed to trial.
• Coordinates with representatives of the Company’s carriers and brokers. 
• Provides legal guidance to other organizations within the corporation.  Such guidance may be related to bankruptcy issues, leases, contracts, rights of way, condemnations, releases, and indemnification issues. 
• Monitors legal developments, in general, to formulate views on legal issues that may affect the corporation and assess the potential impacts or risk to the Company.
• Advises management on appropriate legal and ethical action deemed necessary to protect the Company’s interests. 
• Consults with the Company’s executive leadership team and General Counsel on minor legal issues that may have economic, political or media implications for the Company.
• Participates in other activities as assigned and maintain or improve skills by utilizing available professional development resources.
• Be on call to respond to any situation involving major property damage and serious bodily injuries possibly outside of normal business hours. 
• Supports storm/emergency restoration efforts.

What does it take to be a Counsel – Litigation & Claims?  

Required:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school, license to practice law in New York State, and 3+ years’ experience practicing law in the area of litigations in New York State.
• Travel throughout Central Hudson’s service territory.
• Experience analyzing complex matters and reducing them to manageable projects and communications.
• Demonstrated effective verbal communication and research and writing skills, including experience drafting legal documents.
• Ability to work as a part of a collaborative team with other utilities, outside counsel and the Company’s business units.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously, take initiative, and work independently.
• Ability to comprehend and analyze technical issues associated with claims and legal requirements.
• Sound business judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to work and respond during non-traditional hours as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in customer claims, small claims, civil litigations and administrative hearings.
• 3+ years of experience practicing law in the area of civil litigation.
• Experience with the New York State court system and experience interacting with state and federal court systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of the utility industry and challenges, including litigations and Claims.

Applications will be accepted until March 22, 2024. 

This position has a career path which allows for advancement opportunities within a job series.  The title and level are commensurate with experience.   Pay range: $96,600 – $163,800

Please go to www.centralhudson.com/employment. Click the “Search Career Opportunities” button. Follow the directions to submit an application and upload your resume for the desired position. Applications sent via e-mail and US Mail will not be accepted.  No phone calls or agencies, please.  All replies will be held in strict confidence.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.  Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
 

VEVRAA FEDERAL CONTRACTOR