Senior Counsel-Commercial
Location: Hybrid – 3 days/week in office, Columbus, OH or Merrillville, IN
The position requires the provision of legal advice to clients on various complex commercial matters, including supply chain, data privacy, and intellectual property (IP) matters. The successful candidate combines knowledge of one or more legal specialties with sound business acumen, and knowledge of business goals and objectives and has significant experience and subject matter expertise.
This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and is expected to understand NiSource’s business and be able to identify and analyze issues that impact the operation, execution and success of the business; and provide strategic practical advice and solutions to address identified concerns through cooperative means in partnership with internal business clients. The role is specifically designed to serve as a cross-functional partner to the entire commercial function, with preference given to candidates with experience in data privacy/IP matters and supply chain/procurement matters. This position will serve to drive the organization to achieve strategic objectives by leveraging and supporting the capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, styles and abilities; and be a catalyst for helping the business to embrace organizational and cultural transformations for its betterment. The successful candidate should have at least five (5) years of legal experience. Foundational training as a lawyer either in-house in the energy sector or at a large law firm is strongly preferred.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Resolves legal issues and provides proactive, strategic, business-savvy legal advice and counsel
Manages complex matters
Manages outside counsel on select matters
Anticipates internal/external business and regulatory issues and provides applicable legal advice
Reviews and revises contracts and other legal documents
Negotiates with outside parties on contractual issues and legal disputes
Assists in training clients on legal issues
Supports the data privacy and IP practice by advising on data protection compliance (including federal and state privacy laws), technology licensing, intellectual property rights, and related transactional matters
Partners with the supply chain practice on procurement strategies, vendor contract structuring, supplier risk management, and regulatory compliance affecting supply chain operations
Leads or supports transaction structuring and M&A activities, including due diligence, deal documentation, and post-closing integration matters
Coordinates cross-functionally with commercial team members to ensure consistent legal positions and streamlined advice to the business
Required Qualifications for Position
Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
Licensed to practice law in at least one state in the U.S. and a member in good standing with the state bar
Minimum of 5+ years of experience, with meaningful exposure to at least two of the following: data privacy/IP, supply chain/procurement, or M&A/transactional law
Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics
Commitment to diversity and respect for others
Experience with independent matter handling responsibility and outside counsel management
Ability to advise senior leadership
Ability to balance the legal issues of a matter or project with the goals of the business through the demonstration of strategic counsel, pragmatic business acumen and the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice
Strong, logical legal mind with the ability to apply abstract concepts of law to make timely, well-reasoned and appropriate decisions to solve problems with minimal supervision
Ability to work with cross-functional teams, to take a leadership role in driving solutions, and to work under pressure to meet short deadlines
Ability to work efficiently under time pressures and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Has significant experience and subject matter expertise drafting and negotiating commercial, technology, and supply chain contracts, as well as M&A transaction-related agreements.
High level of engagement and leadership, and the ability to counsel and work closely with clients
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong problem solving and negotiating skills
Knowledge of interaction between state and federal laws and agencies
Presentation skills
Sound judgment
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to engender trust, respect and confidence
Some travel (5-10%) is required
Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position
Experience in the utility industry or other regulated industry
Experience at a law firm or publicly traded corporation
Experience with mergers, acquisitions, and complex transaction structuring, including asset purchases, joint ventures, and partnership arrangements
Experience advising on data privacy laws and regulations and/or intellectual property matters (licensing, trade secrets, patent strategy)
Experience with supply chain related matters, including procurement regulations, import/export controls, supplier risk management, and operational contracts
Ability to lead, draft and negotiate all forms of commercial contracts, including, but not limited to, Equipment, Procurement and Construction Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements, Build Transfer Agreements, Professional Services Agreements, General Service Agreements, and Construction Contracts, as well as technology agreements, data processing agreements, IP licensing agreements, and M&A transaction documents.
Disclaimer:
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.
As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.
Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.
Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:
Salary Range*:
$160,100.00 - $240,100.00
*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity
Posting Start Date:
2026-06-30
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-07-14
NiSource (NYSE: NI) helps energize the lives of its nearly 4 million natural gas and electric customers across six states. Our local utilities – Columbia Gas and NIPSCO – ensure that customers receive safe, reliable and affordable natural gas and electric service each and every day. Our business plan is focused on proactively investing in our energy infrastructure – approximately $1.4 billion a year – to ensure we meet and improve upon our customer commitments for the next 100 years.
We employ more than 7,000 of our neighbors who are actively engaged in the communities we’re privileged to serve, making them great places to live and call home. NiSource is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana – about 35 miles from Chicago – and we maintain a significant corporate presence in Columbus, Ohio. Our utility operations also span Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
