Staff Attorney

Carroll Electric Cooperative is seeking a Staff Attorney to support its sincere mission of serving its members with excellence and integrity.

The Berryville (Arkansas) headquarters is located among the beautiful hills and lakes of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The Buffalo National River and the rapidly growing Fayetteville-Rogers-Bentonville metro area, known as Northwest Arkansas (see northwestarkansas.org), are also nearby. The entire region offers an extraordinary quality of life and a wide array of recreational opportunities.

To serve the region's fast-paced and sustained growth, Carroll Electric currently owns and operates 46 substations and 10,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines, and new facilities are constantly under construction. The Cooperative serves 123,000 member accounts in parts of 11 counties in northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri and has utility plant assets exceeding $1 billion, annual revenues approaching $300 million, and 373 full-time positions across seven locations. This environment provides challenging opportunities to work on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and risk management issues.

We invite qualified candidates to review the job posting and apply via our careers page at www.carrollecc.com/careers.

• Base Salary - Qualified applicants can expect highly competitive wages with opportunities for long-term growth.
• Insurance - The Cooperative funds 100% of the premiums for a comprehensive insurance package through NRECA, which includes:
  • Family Coverage
    • Medical (including contributions into a Health Savings Account)
    • Dental
  • Employee Coverage
    • Life Insurance
    • Accidental Death and Disability
    • Business Travel
  • Additional programs and benefits are also available through payroll deduction.
• Retirement - The Cooperative offers two retirement plans through NRECA. As well as other benefits at retirement.
  • Defined Contribution Plan (401k) - The Cooperative provides matching contributions with an auto-escalation feature for employee contributions.
  • Defined Benefit Plan (Pension) - The Retirement Security Pension Plan is funded 100 percent by the Cooperative. Benefits are formulated based on years of service and late-career salary.
  • Banked PTO multiplier for a health reimbursement arrangement during retirement.
• Paid Time Off
  • Vacation - 2 weeks up to 4½ weeks based on tenure and/or experience.
  • Personal Leave - 1 week per year (flexible options, including cash payment).
  • Sick Leave - 8 days per year.
  • Paid Holiday - 8 days per year.
• Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • The Cooperative is committed to mentoring and investing in the professional development of its employees.
  • The Cooperative values professionalism, integrity, commitment, technical abilities, and relational abilities to work in a team environment. The Cooperative seeks to retain and develop employees who demonstrate these qualities. In meeting the membership's needs, many opportunities exist for advancement.

PURPOSE

Provides a full range of legal, regulatory, and administrative services to the Cooperative, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while mitigating risks and supporting strategic objectives.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to In-House Counsel and, as designated, other employees of the Cooperative.
• Coordinates with the Cooperative's outside General Counsel as directed.
• Cooperates with all persons within the Cooperative to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Engages with state and federal agencies/courts, other attorneys, lending institutions, insurance companies, contracted parties, landowners, the Cooperative's members and other entities/persons outside of the Cooperative.

DUTIES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The ability and willingness to function at various levels with a high degree of teamwork, flexibility, and professionalism are imperative. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Communicating in a highly effective manner, both in writing and in person, to a wide range of audiences, including senior leadership, employees, members, and external stakeholders
• Utilizing logical reasoning, practical judgment, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects with dynamic priorities and strict deadlines.
• Complying with board policies, management guidelines, workplace rules, and other practices and procedures while ensuring others within the organization are aware of and adhere to these standards.
• Conducting legal research and providing analytical insights, alternatives, and advice on a broad range of legal issues, including but not limited to employment law, contracts, property law, regulatory compliance, and litigation.
• Preparing and delivering risk assessments, internal audits, and compliance reviews to ensure adherence to applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as Cooperative board policies.
• Drafting, reviewing, and updating contracts, policies, organizational documents, and strategic plans to ensure clarity, enforceability, and alignment with the Cooperative's strategic goals.
• Evaluating the Cooperative's contracts, agreements, and related documents to identify potential risks, opportunities, or compliance issues, and advising leadership on necessary revisions or actions.
• Maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality regarding Cooperative, member, or employee information and ensuring all legal matters are handled with discretion and integrity.
• Assisting In-House counsel in dispute resolution, including mediations, arbitrations, and litigation, while working closely with external counsel and other parties as directed.
• Representing the Cooperative in legal proceedings, hearings, or negotiations when required.
• Proactively monitoring and analyzing changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards that may impact the Cooperative, and advising leadership on necessary adjustments to policies, practices, or operations.
• Developing and delivering legal training programs and resources for Cooperative employees to increase awareness and understanding of legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advising corporate governance practices, including board and committee operations, to ensure transparent and effective decision-making.
• Assisting with intellectual property matters, including trademark registration, copyright protections, and licensing agreements.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, community leaders, and member organizations, to enhance the Cooperative's reputation and influence.
• Leading or participating in cross-functional teams to address organizational challenges, implement new policies, or achieve strategic objectives.
• Performing all other duties as assigned, including special projects or assignments that support the Cooperative's mission and vision.