American Electric Power

Senior Counsel or Assistant General Counsel (Nuclear)

American Electric Power • $188K — $245K *
Columbus, OH 43230In-Person
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
  • 8+ years as a practicing attorney in private practice or a corporate legal department
  • 5+ years nuclear-related legal experience, preferably at NRC or DOE
  • Active law license in Ohio or Michigan; corporate counsel eligibility in Ohio is acceptable
  • Strong knowledge of Atomic Energy Act and NRC regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations and compliance with NRC regulations
  • Advise on legal issues related to siting, permitting, and constructing new and SMR nuclear facilities
  • Support NRC licensing activities, including renewals and amendments; assist with litigation matters
  • Provide legal guidance on nuclear export control matters
  • Assist with contracting matters at the Cook Plant, including various contract issues
  • Monitor regulatory law changes and advise stakeholders on compliance strategies
  • Collaborate with internal departments to identify and mitigate legal risks

Benefits

  • Legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders on compliance matters
  • Opportunity to work at a leading utility with a focus on nuclear energy
  • Involvement in significant regulatory and legal challenges in the energy sector
  • Engagement with high-level stakeholders including NRC, DOE, and the EPA
  • Work location flexibility between the headquarters or nuclear plant site.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
09-28-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The position will serve as the lead attorney for all nuclear-related legal and regulatory issues within the utility's generation portfolio. This role supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of AEP's existing Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant and provides legal guidance for the licensing, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The position requires deep expertise in nuclear regulatory law and a strong understanding of the operational and strategic priorities of a vertically integrated electric utility.

Job Description

What You'll Do:
  • Serve as the primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations, ensuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations and other applicable federal and state laws.
  • Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to the siting, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities and SMRs.
  • Provide legal support for NRC licensing activities, including license renewals and amendments. Support litigation matters involving plant operations, including spent fuel claims and employee-related matters. Support employee concerns program.
  • Provide legal consultation and guidance on nuclear export control matters under the jurisdiction of the NRC (Part 110), the National Nuclear Security Administration (Part 810), and the Department of Commerce.
  • Support contracting matters for the Cook Plant, including service contracts, staff augmentation, warranty claims, contract disputes, and nuclear fuel procurement.
  • Monitor and interpret changes in nuclear regulatory law and policy, advising internal stakeholders on implications and compliance strategies.
  • Support the utility's interactions with the NRC, Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state public utility commissions.
  • Collaborate with internal departments including nuclear operations, engineering, environmental, and regulatory affairs to ensure legal risks are identified and mitigated.
  • Draft and review legal documents including contracts, services agreements, nuclear fuel agreements, regulatory filings, internal policies, proposed legislation, and compliance reports.
  • Provide legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders on nuclear regulatory and compliance matters.


What We're Looking For:

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school


Experience:
  • Eight plus years of experience as a practicing attorney in private practice or in a corporate legal department.
  • At least five years of nuclear-related legal experience preferably with a law firm, corporate legal department, or on the staff of a regulatory body, such as the NRC or DOE.


Certifications/Licenses:
  • Active license to practice law in state in which position is located (Ohio or Michigan). For Ohio, eligibility to practice as Ohio corporate counsel is also acceptable.


Other Must Haves:

Knowledge & Skill Requirements:
  • Strong knowledge of the Atomic Energy Act, NRC regulations, and other federal and state laws governing nuclear energy.
  • Experience with NRC licensing processes and familiarity with utility regulatory frameworks, including rate recovery and cost prudency considerations.
  • Experience working at or advising an electric utility with nuclear generation assets, including on contracting and related claims, fuel procurement and spent fuel claims, litigation, licensing and license renewal, operations, export controls, and security.
  • Experience with (a) preparing briefs, motions, case evaluation summaries and other documents as required by the nature of a case, (b) helping prepare witnesses for testimony, (c) conducting hearings in federal and/or administrative courts, and (d) preparing filings before federal and/or state government bodies related to nuclear matters.


Communication Skills:
  • Excellent advocacy, negotiation and written communication skills.
  • Ability to promote teamwork and build relationships within the legal and business unit teams to get work accomplished
  • Ability to relate to many different constituencies in a positive, proactive manner that will engender confidence from company management, employees, public utilities commissions and other industry groups.
  • Problem solver coupled with good conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability for initiative and working independently of direct supervision


Where You'll Work:
  • AEP's Headquarters in Columbus, OH or Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant near Bridgman, MI.


#LI-ONSITE

#AEPCareers

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-012

Compensation Range:

$188,524.00 - $245,080.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

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Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ
AEP
* Ladders Estimates

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