What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counsel, Mergers & Acquisitions position at American Water?
Job Description
Position Information
$145,600 - $231,400
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow profession
Primary Role
Provide legal counsel and support to the Company on a wide range of corporate, transactional, and commercial matters, with a primary focus on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, and complex commercial contracts. The position will also support the business on governance, regulatory, and operational legal matters, with a strong opportunity to develop and expand utility and regulatory expertise, including in the water and wastewater sector.
Key Accountabilities
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders, providing practical, business‑oriented legal advice across corporate and commercial matters.
- Lead and support M&A transactions, including stock purchases, asset purchases and related integration activities.
- Advise on regulatory and public utility considerations, specifically including managing the regulatory approvals for regulated acquisition and coordination with internal regulatory teams and external counsel (water/wastewater experience a strong plus).
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including service agreements, MSAs, NDAs, easements, real estate‑related agreements, and other operational contracts.
- Assist with matters involving environmental, compliance, and permitting issues, as applicable to transactions and operations (experience a plus, not required).
- Manage and oversee outside counsel to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective legal services.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues across Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Government Affairs, and other corporate functions.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills
- Strong foundation in corporate law, M&A, and commercial contracts.
- Familiarity with regulated industries, public utilities, or infrastructure‑intensive businesses is strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of environmental, real estate, or administrative law is a plus.
Experience/Education
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience in M&A, corporate transactions, and/or commercial contracting, gained in a law firm and/or in‑house legal department.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex transactions and multiple workstreams concurrently.
- Experience providing timely, actionable legal advice in a fast‑paced, business‑driven environment.
- Strong business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
- Experience working collaboratively with cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (additional admissions a plus).
Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel, including to operating locations and transaction‑related meetings.
Work Environment
Hybrid in‑office/remote environment, as determined by business needs. Standard is 2 days remote, 3 in office.
Scope
- Supports corporate and operational legal matters across multiple business units and jurisdictions.
- Works on matters with significant strategic, financial, and regulatory impact.
Competencies
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates
Salary : $145,600 - $231,400