WHO WE ARE

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for more than 250 million Americans and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a whole, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States.

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the District of Columbia metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of four days each week with the mandatory days being Monday through Thursday.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, ENVIRONMENT AND LITIGATION:

The Deputy General Counsel, Environment and Litigation serves as EEI’s senior executive leader for environmental policy and strategy and manages all of EEI’s policy-related litigation matters. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this position provides enterprise-wide leadership on environmental law, regulatory policy, litigation and related emerging issues that affect EEI members at the federal and state levels.

The Deputy General Counsel, Environment and Litigation is responsible for setting strategic direction, aligning cross-departmental priorities, and leading a multidisciplinary team of legal, policy, and technical professionals. The role requires deep subject-matter expertise, strong executive judgment, litigation expertise and the ability to represent EEI and its members with credibility before regulators, policymakers, industry partners, courts and other external stakeholders.

Other important responsibilities of the Deputy General Counsel, Environment and Litigation, include:

• Strategic Leadership & Executive Oversight

• Establish and lead EEI’s overall environmental policy strategy, ensuring alignment with member priorities, Board-approved positions, and EEI’s long-term strategic objectives.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Chief Legal Officer and EEI executive leadership on environmental and climate-related legal and regulatory risks and opportunities.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Chief Legal Officer and EEI executive leadership on all policy-related litigation matters.
• Provide executive-level leadership to a team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development across direct and indirect reports.

• Legal, Regulatory & Policy Leadership

• Oversee EEI’s legal and policy engagement related to all environmental matters, and all related federal and state initiatives.
• Lead the development of EEI member consensus positions on complex environmental and climate policy issues, balancing diverse utility perspectives while advancing unified industry positions.
• Guide legal strategy and policy responses to major federal and state regulatory actions, including matters arising under the Clean Air Act, NEPA, FERC jurisdiction, and other federal environmental statutes.
• Manage all policy-related litigation matters, including amicus briefs, administrative litigation and other litigation matters stemming from EEI’s advocacy.
• Monitor and assess emerging legal, regulatory, and policy trends impacting the electric sector, proactively identifying implications for EEI members.

• Member Engagement & Committee Leadership

• Provide executive oversight of EEI’s Environment EAC and related member working groups, ensuring agendas, research priorities, and initiatives are aligned with member needs and policy objectives.
• Provide executive oversight of the general counsel committee on litigation, ensuring all litigation matters are aligned with member needs and policy objectives.
• Engage directly with EEI members at senior levels to understand operational, legal, and regulatory challenges and translate those insights into effective advocacy and policy strategies.
• Represent EEI leadership in member meetings, briefings, and strategic discussions, including serving as a panelist or speaker at EEI and industry events.

• Cross-Departmental & External Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with EEI’s Environment team, Government Affairs, and other internal departments to ensure coordinated advocacy and consistent messaging on environmental and clean energy issues.
• Oversee the provision of legal and policy support to other EEI departments on a wide range of environmental and regulatory matters.
• Lead or support engagement with federal and state agencies, Congress, the Administration, and other external stakeholders to communicate EEI members’ role in clean, emerging, and innovative energy technologies.

REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing (D.C. Bar or eligibility for admission preferred).
• 15+ years of progressively responsible legal experience or equivalent skills or knowledge, with significant focus on environmental, utility, or regulatory law, including leadership of complex legal or policy initiatives and litigation.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal environmental statutes and regulatory frameworks, including the statutes administered by EPA and other statutes and regulations to include, NEPA, FERC regulations, and other policies affecting electric companies.
• Strong understanding of utility operations, energy markets, and the regulatory landscape impacting the electric power sector.
• Proven ability to lead legal and policy strategy on high-profile, high-stakes regulatory and legislative matters.
• Proven ability to lead litigation teams.
• Significant experience managing and mentoring senior professionals and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional legal analysis, writing, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with members, executive leadership, policymakers, and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 20% to attend EEI member meetings and relevant industry events.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should apply online through EEI’s career site. EEI uses Clear Company as our applicant tracking system. An application is considered when all required fields are completed.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $282,900-$389,300. Starting annual salary will be determined on individual qualifications. EEI also offers an annual performance incentive which is prorated for mid-year start dates. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness incentives and programs, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEI is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Employment M/D/F/V.