Sr Counsel, Mergers & Acquisitions
American Water
mergers & acquisitions
legal due diligence
transaction management
stakeholder collaboration
leadership & strategy
business strategy
Lead and manage at the centralized level all legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures. Lead legal due diligence efforts and provide strategic legal support for new business opportunities. Manage end-to-end legal aspects of assigned transactions, ensuring timely and effective execution. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of transactions. Direct and lead the Counsel, M&A and Senior Principal M&A positions as part of the overall Corporate Legal BD function. Collaborate with Corporate Strategy and Business Development teams on competitor analysis, target evaluation, and innovation initiatives.
juris doctorate
licensed attorney
10+ years experience
leadership skills
project management
regulatory knowledge
174,720 - 263,640
- Excellent written and oral communication, analytical and drafting skills.
- Minimum 10 years legal experience as a licensed practicing attorney, both law firm and in-house experience preferred.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to balance legal risks and business objectives.
- Must have superb negotiation skills.
- Strong business acumen and leadership skills. Ability to work well on a variety of teams.
- Demonstrated management level experience in a utility regulatory
- Expertise in business mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, strategic planning, contracting, human resources, real property, corporate governance, process and litigation management.
- Broad knowledge of company policies and operations.
- Works effectively with all levels within the organization as well as key external stakeholders.
- Up to 25% travel may be required, including overnight travel
- Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information in a proper manner.
- Environment preferred
- Expertise in specialty area may be applicable
- Juris Doctorate law degree from an accredited law school.
- Broad knowledge of utility regulatory law, the utility regulatory framework, and corporate and commercial law.
- Licensed to practice in one or more states where the business unit currently operates business.
- Professional disciplinary record that does not limit ability to receive professional licensing reciprocity, if available.
- Experience effectively leading a team
- Must have the ability, experience and business judgment to be an active member of the Legal BD team to positively impact business decisions, specific and strategic in nature.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on initiative, knowledge sharing, teambuilding and decision-making.
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!
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
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.
- Indoor office environment
- company may conduct background checks
Since 1886
Year Established
The company was founded in this year, marking the beginning of its journey in water and wastewater services.
14M+ People
Serve Millions Daily
The company delivers water and wastewater services to over fourteen million people across the United States.
24 States
National Presence
The company operates and provides essential water services in a significant portion of the U.S., covering two dozen states.
130+ Years
Legacy of Excellence
With over a century of experience, the company has built a reputation as a leader in water systems and operations.
- Provides vital water and wastewater services, ensuring communities have access to clean water.
- Has a long history of managing water infrastructure in partnership with municipalities.
- Recent projects include modernizing infrastructure, expanding service coverage, and improving water treatment facilities.
- Known for innovation in water management, offering sustainable solutions to modern water challenges.
- A trusted provider for residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the U.S.
- Safety first – safety is our top focus for every employee, customer and community we serve.
- Trust, dignity & respect – being dependable, honest, transparent and accountable; ensuring everyone is acknowledged, heard and empowered to thrive.
- One team – leveraging our size, scale and expertise to act as a cohesive team working towards a greater purpose.
- Environmental leadership – delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable services while acting as a trusted steward of our most precious resource.
- High performance – committed to excellence in everything we do, executing to the best of our abilities and addressing issues quickly and transparently.
75% reduction
Injury Rate Improvement
The injury rate has been reduced by 75% since 2018, demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety.
20 billion kWh
Solar Energy Generation
Deployment of solar panels at six treatment facilities generates approximately 20 million kWh annually.
6.4 billion gallons
Water Saved
Leak-detection technology has prevented the loss of 6.4 billion gallons of water per day over five years.
≤1%
Affordable Water Bills
Average residential bills are capped at ≤1% of median household income, ensuring affordability.
- Medium‑term GHG goal: reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2035 from a 2020 baseline.
- Long‑term GHG goal: achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
- Water delivery efficiency: by 2035, reduce water delivered per customer 15% vs 2015 baseline.
- Water system resilience: by 2030, increase Utility Resilience Index by 10% vs 2020 baseline.
- Drinking water quality compliance tied to employee compensation via Annual Performance Plan.
- Infrastructure investment: billions annually, including $28–32 billion over ten years to modernize assets, boost resiliency, reduce leaks and enhance water quality.
- In 2022, water‑line replacement rate was 136 years—well ahead of nearly 200‑year industry average.
#11 Ranking
Forbes Best Employers for Diversity
Recognized as one of the top employers for diversity in the U.S.
4 Years
Consistently top-scoring utility in the Disability Equality Index.
2022 Pay Equity
Conducted a comprehensive pay equity analysis across the organization.
Four Consecutive Years
Included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for four years.
- Chief Inclusion Officer (dual-reporting to CEO & CHRO) leads ID&E strategic plan.
- Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council provides governance and guidance for ID&E efforts.
- Four employee business resource groups launched: female empowerment; Black/African American; LGBTQ+; caregivers & disability.
- Social-goal tracking includes % female and racial/ethnic diversity based on self-identification.
- Annual Performance Plan includes Employee Diversity as performance metric.
