Manager, Paralegal and Office Administration (Hybrid)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid work capacity.

Relocation assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the Assistant General Counsel, responsible for supporting department attorneys in legal research and writing, litigation support (including database management and discovery), regulatory filings, responses to requests for information, and other legal support services as required and in compliance with applicable governing rules. Responsibilities also include processes, policies and standards for department support staff, tracking progress toward business plan objectives, managing the budget of the business unit, and managing non-attorney staff and contractors. Develops support staff, effectively uses legal staff to optimize outside legal fees, and supports the internal continuing legal education program.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Manages paralegals, administrative staff and contractors providing similar services, ensuring that daily tasks to support department are completed in a timely and accurate manner. Develops and manages employee work assignments, provides broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, makes recommendations with respect to the hiring, advancement, promotion or any other change in the status of direct reports, and performs related activities as appropriate. Assures efficiency and equity in workflow. Facilitates development, maintenance and administration of department policies, standards and processes.

 
• Oversees department support functions including responses to records requests and subpoenas, management of corporate legal agreements (NDAs, copyright agreements, law firm engagement letters and consulting agreements), and contracting for electronic legal research (such as Westlaw), by delegating as appropriate and providing direct support for critical initiatives.

 
• Provides paralegal services to attorneys, and backup for other legal support staff.

 
• Provides support for significant corporate functions and committees that requires analytical work and complex legal services.

 
• Serves as subject matter expert in appropriate areas related to legal compliance. 

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten or more years related experience with five years at a lead level or the equivalent.

Certifications:

Legal Assistant/Paralegal studies or equivalent experience.

Type of Experience:

Experience with legal administration (calendar and document management), and paralegal skills (discovery, legal research, cite checking) or similar skills required. Management experience preferred. Experience in energy and/or a regulatory field would be helpful.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others. Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions.  Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member.  Strong analytical and quantitative skills required.  Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently. 

The pay range for the Manager, Paralegal and Office Administration is $137,700 - $192,780 per year.