Enforcement Attorney, Senior

Be a Part of Something that Matters

At WECC, we enhance the lives of 90 million people by identifying and mitigating risks to the bulk power system in the West. To deliver on our mission of a highly reliable and secure bulk power system in the Western Interconnection, we are seeking an Enforcement Attorney to help us further our mission and achieve our business goals.

The Senior-level Enforcement Attorney will process Potential Noncompliance (PNC) with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-approved and British Columbia Utilities Commission- approved mandatory Reliability Standards by investigating, analyzing, and resolving cases in alignment with WECC’s mission. This role will ensure risks to the Bulk-Power System (BPS) are reduced or eliminated, provide training and guidance to internal and external stakeholders, and support continuous improvement of Enforcement processes and tools.

While WECC's headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this position is remote-eligible for candidates residing in the lower 48 U.S. states. Time spent traveling is expected to be a minimum of 15% for this role, though business needs may require additional travel on occasion.

You will—

• Conduct legal research on North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) precedents and Reliability Standards to ensure appropriate and consistent dispositions of alleged violations.
• Review and assess registered entities’ potential noncompliance of NERC Reliability Standards in accordance with NERC Rules of Procedure (ROP) and related NERC and FERC guidance.
• Collaborate with Enforcement risk and mitigation Engineers to conduct discovery and determine the scope and risk of potential noncompliance issues.
• Draft disposition documents and settlement agreements to resolve registered entities’ noncompliance.
• Interface with registered entity compliance and legal contacts regarding the status of open enforcement actions.
• Conduct penalty assessments, prepare settlement agreements, and participate in settlement negotiations with registered entities.
• Provide legal and/or technical expertise when a registered entity contests a violation and requests a hearing.
• Ensure the development of a complete evidentiary record for all noncompliance issues.
• Provide legal expertise and training to other WECC departments and registered entities on enforcement related issues.
• Attend and participate in industry workshops and presentations to keep abreast of current industry trends, guidance, and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You will enjoy this role if you-

•  Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. 
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. 
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in energy, administrative law, regulatory law, or complex litigation. 
• Demonstrated experience leading complex cases and negotiations.
• Can learn and effectively use specialized systems, including Align, SEL, and case tracking tools.  
• Are detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. 
• Possess strong computer literacy and proficiency using PCs, including a working knowledge of common applications such as those in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understand and adhere to sound principles of cybersecurity, including protecting sensitive information, using secure passwords, and following organizational cybersecurity protocols.

Our Culture and Values

• Our people and our work matter;
• Everyone is invited to be a leader;
• Independence, perspective, and partnership are how we add value;
• Intellectual curiosity, empowerment, and accountability fuel meaningful results;
• Continuous improvement and innovation are essential; and
• We act with intention and focused urgency in everything we do.

Benefits and Compensation

The base salary range for this full-time position is $96,700–$120,900 + discretionary pay + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and mid-point for the position across all locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will share more details during the hiring process. 

WECC offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid personal time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We foster an organizational culture that values the visible and invisible qualities that make individuals who they are. When individuals bring their whole selves to work, without apprehension, we, as WECC, will meet our mission now and in the future.

WECC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.