General Counsel

About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 501,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission-driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

Join Our Team as General Counsel – Shape the Future of KUB!

Are you an experienced legal professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for public service? KUB is seeking a dynamic General Counsel to direct and collaborate with our legal services staff.

As General Counsel, you’ll serve as the primary legal advisor to our executive leadership team and Board of Commissioners, influencing key decisions that impact our community and operations. You’ll oversee all legal aspects of KUB’s operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, managing legal risks, and providing proactive, solutions-driven counsel to help KUB navigate a rapidly evolving utility landscape.

Why KUB?

• Make a Meaningful Impact – Play a key role in shaping policies that affect our customers and community.
• Engage in Strategic Leadership – Be a trusted advisor to executives and decision-makers.
• Enjoy a Collaborative Environment – Work with a talented, mission-driven team dedicated to excellence.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits – We offer a strong benefits package, professional growth opportunities, and work-life balance.

If you’re ready to bring your legal expertise to a purpose-driven organization and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Legal Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor to KUB’s Sr Staff and Board of Commissioners. Provide guidance on legal strategy, compliance issues, and policy decisions that impact KUB’s operations.

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local regulations that govern utilities, environmental standards, and public governance. Ensure that KUB policies and practices align with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

• Risk Management: Identify, analyze, and mitigate legal risks across all areas of the organization. Implement policies, procedures, and training programs to minimize liability and protect KUB’s interests. 

• Contract Management: Lead the review of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. Establish standards for contract management and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations. 

• Litigation Management: Direct and oversee all litigation and administrative proceedings involving KUB. Coordinate with outside counsel as necessary and manage costs and strategies associated with litigation. 

• Policy and Regulatory Development: Advise on policy development, ensuring that KUB’s strategic initiatives align with legal standards. Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting utilities and municipal governance, advising leadership on potential impacts.

• Board and Executive Support: Prepare and present legal reports, updates, and recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and Sr Staff. Participate in Board meetings and provide counsel on governance matters and public transparency.

• Team Leadership and Development:  Direct and collaborate with internal staff involved in legal matters and litigation. Service as liaison between KUB and outside counsel to ensure legal strategy and decision-making are sound and consistent. Assist in developing and delivering training programs to KUB employees on legal topics, such as compliance with regulations, contract management, and risk mitigation.

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with various KUB departments to provide legal guidance on operational matters and ensure that all business activities are legally sound.

Reports To: President/Chief Executive Officer

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Active membership in the Tennessee State Bar or the ability to obtain licensure promptly.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a legal role.

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities; ability to bring a business mindset to legal issues.

• Proficiency in contract negotiation, risk management, and litigation management.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide timely, high-quality legal advice.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions.

Preferred Requirements: 

• Prior experience as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or in a senior legal role.  Experience working with a public utility, government agency, or regulated industry is a plus, but not required.