Sr Counsel, Legal & Compliance

, PA, United States

Established in 1997, DQE Communications (DQE) is headquartered in Pittsburgh's Southside area and is soon to become a portfolio company of GI Partners. DQE Communications is one of the leading providers of high-speed, fiber-optic data networking for businesses throughout 20+ counties in southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Already in over 1,600 commercial buildings with over 4,700+ route miles, DQE is continually working to expand its network.

Through Metro Ethernet, Wavelength Services, Dark Fiber, Internet Services, and Colocation services, DQE offers its customers secure, reliable, and flexible network services, unmatched by any other provider in the region.

Position Summary

DQE Communications (Company) seeks a highly skilled and experienced Director of Legal & Compliance to provide legal advice, counsel, and services to the Company in many substantive areas, including corporate governance, contract review and negotiation, real estate, intellectual property, bankruptcy, employment, regulatory compliance, and litigation to ensure the Company’s compliance with the law and to legally protect the Company’s interests. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and managing complex legal matters. The successful candidate will also serve as a trusted advisor providing legal advice and guidance on legal matters. This role requires the ability to provide day-to-day guidance on a wide range of legal issues and strategies that impact the Company.

Location : Hybrid, Southside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Key Responsibilities

Transactional/Commercial Contracts (50%)

Draft, review, negotiate and finalize complex contracts, agreements, and transactions, including but not limited to vendor and customer contracts, service contracts, end-user license agreements, leases, building license agreements, right of way agreements, pole attachment agreements, agent agreements, licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, teaming, and partnership agreements.

Review of federal grant applications and other RFPs.

Provide strategic legal counsel to protect the Company’s interests in contractual relationships.

Provide advice on indemnity clauses, guarantees, and other contract provisions; review and analyze insurance and indemnity requirements in contracts.

Corporate Governance (5%)

Serve as Company’s Corporate Secretary.

Preparation of a variety of corporate and organizational documents.

Assist in corporate governance matters, including reviewing and drafting operating agreements, resolutions, appointments, and other documents associated with corporate actions and transactions.

Corporate and Regulatory Compliance (15%)

Assist in the development of corporate policies and procedures.

Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging trends in the telecommunications industry and regulatory developments that impact the company's operations and industry.

Develop and implement compliance programs to ensure adherence to relevant laws and regulations.

Facilitate all regulatory and compliance filings.

Ensure compliance with applicable privacy regulations; prepare and conduct trainings on CPNI.

Lead the Company’s compliance program, including ethics reporting, investigating, and managing the Company’s hotline investigations and response.

Intellectual Property and Licensing (5%)

Manage the protection and enforcement of the company's intellectual property assets, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

Provide guidance on IP licensing, infringement, and enforcement matters.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution: (5%)

Manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution processes, including working closely with external legal counsel when necessary and providing legal strategy.

Develop litigation strategies that align with the company's objectives and minimize legal risks.

Collaborate with external legal counsel in employment-related litigation.

Collaborate with external legal counsel on bankruptcy related matters.

Employment Matters (5%)

Provide timely advice and counsel on employment law matters, fostering a positive and compliant work environment.

Stay updated on developments in employment law and related regulations to provide timely and accurate legal advice.

Legal Strategy, Leadership and Stakeholder Relationships (15%)

Provide high-level legal advice and guidance to executive leadership and the board of directors on legal matters.

Build and maintain relationships with external legal partners, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and other stakeholders.

Represent the company in legal matters with professionalism and integrity.

Collaborate with operational leaders to identify and mitigate risk and develop solutions to problems that arise during operations that could result in legal or financial liability.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.

Admission to the Pennsylvania bar or the ability to be admitted within 6 months of employment is required.

Minimum of ten (10) years of experience practicing law, with a focus on commercial negotiations.

Prior experience as a General Counsel or in a similar leadership role preferred.

Prior experience in the telecommunications industry preferred.

Prior experience with federal and government contracting, with knowledge of FAR/DFARS and other relevant government contracting rules and regulations preferred.

Skills And Experience Utilized In This Role Include

Exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to draft and review complex legal documents.

Expert knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards and/or the ability to develop subject matter expertise.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high level of professionalism and integrity. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

Demonstrated ability to think strategically and provide proactive legal guidance to support business objectives.

Must possess a positive attitude and strong values that fit with the Company’s core values:

Energized to shape the future;

Bold in thinking and exploration of new possibilities;

Collaborative in approaching all challenges;

Responsible in commitment to safety, management of assets and finances and interaction with others;

Selfless in serving the community, both on the job and through volunteerism.

Scope

Directs and controls strategy and execution of the organizations activities within the business area managed. Key member of the management team representing the organization in dealings with clients and external bodies. Seasoned leader with extensive business experience, broad and deep functional expertise and significant industry knowledge.

Decision Impact

Problems faced require expertise knowledge and broad-based considerations of variables that impact the corporation. Develops legal solutions influencing high impact decisions made at a higher hierarchy level. Solutions developed typically require comprehensive analyses. Manages liability and mitigates risk of the company in all areas including those that have high impact on the company. Improves existing practices, leveraging personal past experiences, and in-depth best practice knowledge.

Hybrid Work

Position follows Company’s hybrid work model, with at least two days working in the office and the remaining days working remotely. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role or Company needs.

Note : This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Sr Counsel, Legal & Compliance role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, duties, or responsibilities. Percentages are only indicative of the expected time required for each area of law. The organization reserves the right to modify the job description at any time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings' commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at [email protected] and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.

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