Staff Attorney I, II, or III

Position Summary

The incumbent provides legal advice and counsel to the District in a competent, ethical, timely, and cost-efficient manner in order to assist in the formulation and implementation of District policy and decisions, to enhance awareness of and assure the District's compliance with applicable legal obligations, and to defend the District's legal rights.  This Staff Attorney will primarily focus on some or all of the following practice areas:  antitrust and business regulation, bankruptcy, administrative law, the law of governmental subdivisions, legislation, federal energy laws, litigation, and the law of sales, finance, and insurance.

Education, Training and Experience

Staff Attorney I:  Undergraduate Degree and graduate of an accredited law school. Experience: 0 to 5 years of corporate or private practice experience in areas of law related to assigned areas of responsibility.

Staff Attorney II:  Undergraduate Degree and graduate of an accredited law school. Experience: 5 to 10 years of corporate or private practice experience in areas of law related to assigned areas of responsibility, or generally, 5 years' experience working in the office of NPPD's General counsel as a Staff Attorney I.

Staff Attorney III:  Undergraduate Degree and graduate of an accredited law school. Experience: 10 to 15 years of corporate or private practice experience in areas of law related to assigned areas of responsibility, or generally, 5-10 years' experience working in the office of NPPD's General counsel as a Staff Attorney I or II.

In addition to meeting the years of experience requirements, a Staff Attorney at all levels must continue to demonstrate competence and improvement in each competency in order to advance.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Admitted to practice law in the State of Nebraska or can quickly gain admittance through the reciprocity process. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Assist the Board of Directors and all levels of District management by reviewing and providing advice regarding legal consideration of proposed major District transactions by developing and implementing strategies to preclude or remedy legal problems arising out of day-to-day operations.  Attorney I shall  further provide reliable, accurate, and responsible advice involving legal matters including, but not limited to, antitrust and business regulation, bankruptcy, administrative law, the law of governmental subdivisions, legislation, employment and labor law, real estate, environmental law, nuclear law and regulation, water law, complex commercial transactions, federal energy laws and regulation, purchasing, litigation, and the law of sales, finance and insurance.

Perform work projects in a professional, cost-efficient, and competent manner.

Serve as an effective counselor, advocate, and negotiator to assist the District in meeting its goals and objectives. Coordinate outside counsel as required.

Commonly performed activities include Legislation / Rulemaking, Legal Compliance, Investigations / Enforcement Actions, Litigation, Contracts, Legal Research, Supervision, and Management Participation.

Provides understanding of ethical principles and concepts applicable to the practice of law in a corporate or governmental setting and in all ways behaves in a manner consistent with them. Provides sound legal reasoning and analytical skills; Is thorough, accurate, and precise in research and advice; Practices clear, informative, communication in speech and writing; Keeps interested and responsible parties informed of the status of projects and assignments; Demonstrates basic respect for diverse personalities and expresses tact and courtesy in dealing with all persons; and Maintains and acts on interest in self-development, takes and gives constructive criticism, and accepts challenges of work in unfamiliar areas.

Staff Attorney II and III are expected to be proficient in all aspects of each prior level and will additionally provide the following:  handles complex or sensitive issues or projects with minimal supervision, effectively and efficiently, including the use of outside counsel and support personnel; Demonstrates and formulates ethical, innovative, practical legal solutions to the District's problems, both independently and as a participant in a group; Expresses maturity of judgment that shows considered thought and focus; Works well under pressure; and Effectively handles a diverse workload with reasonable priorities, diligence, and organization. 

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies