Deputy General Counsel

Interested candidates should direct their inquiries to Variant Partners: jcoffey@vpartners.com

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

The Deputy General Counsel provides strategic legal leadership and counsel for PJM’s regulatory, commercial, litigation, policy, and stakeholder-related matters. This role advises executive leadership and senior management, oversees attorneys and legal professionals, and coordinates closely with Governmental & Member Services to advance PJM’s legal, regulatory, and advocacy priorities before federal and state courts, regulatory agencies, and legislative bodies.

The position is responsible for managing legal risk, supporting regulatory compliance, supervising the preparation of pleadings, testimony, policy reports and position papers, and promoting an ethical environment aligned with PJM’s mission and core values.

Essential Functions:

Serves as a trusted legal advisor to the EVP, General Counsel, Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer, executive leadership, and senior management on high-impact legal, regulatory, policy, and business matters.

Oversees legal support for state agency relationships and federal, state, and regional legislative and regulatory policy activities.

Provides practical counsel on FERC law, policy, and organized wholesale electricity market issues, including matters unique to PJM-administered markets.

Partners with Governmental & Member Services and inside and outside counsel to develop regulatory strategy and advocate PJM’s objectives before FERC and other federal forums.

Coordinates formal and informal advocacy before FERC and state agencies and supports alignment of state initiatives with PJM’s legal and policy objectives.

Develops and reviews reports, policy statements, position papers, pleadings, testimony, and other materials for federal and state legislative and regulatory proceedings.

Represents or supports PJM in federal and state courts, regulatory agencies, legislative proceedings, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution matters.

Supports relevant industry initiatives and external forums, including EPRI, DHS, and other organizations as appropriate.

Engages with PJM members, stakeholders, regulators, and industry groups to support policy development, regulatory advocacy, and consensus-based solutions.

Promotes ethical decision-making and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, PJM agreements, tariffs, and PJM’s core values.

Leads, mentors, and develops attorneys and legal professionals while fostering teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Reviews and edits work product from internal and external counsel to ensure clear, accurate, and effective advocacy before regulatory and judicial bodies.

Maintains deep knowledge of legal, regulatory, and policy issues affecting the electric industry and organized wholesale electricity markets.

Solves complex legal and regulatory problems and develops innovative strategies that support sound business outcomes.

Responds effectively to inquiries from regulatory agencies, PJM members, industry participants, and legislative stakeholders.

Builds credibility with parties that may have competing interests and helps develop consensus-based solutions to complex issues.

Works effectively as part of cross-functional leadership teams to achieve organizational results.

Plans, prioritizes, and manages multiple complex matters in a fast-paced environment.

Communicates complex power system, market, legal, and regulatory concepts clearly for executive, regulatory, industry, and public policy audiences.

Works effectively with representatives of varied political, regulatory, industry, and stakeholder groups.

Characteristics and Qualifications:

Required:

Juris Doctor (JD degree)

15+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, including leadership of attorneys, legal professionals, or cross-functional teams.

5 years of work experience in the electric industry, FERC regulatory matters, or organized wholesale electricity markets.

10 years of work experience practicing law in regulatory, commercial, litigation, energy, or related legal areas.

Licensed to practice law and able to be admitted to the State Bar of Pennsylvania.

Preferred:

MBA, Business Administration

Experience with PJM agreements, tariffs, operating agreements, markets, operations, planning functions, neighboring systems, and PJM committee processes.