Manager Legal Operations - Legal Ethics & Compliance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy at a Glance 

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. 

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts. 

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corporation

This is a full-time position based in FirstEnergy’s Headquarters in Akron, Ohio

The Manager of Legal Operations is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing and optimizing the business and administrative functions of FirstEnergy’s Legal Department (Department). This role partners with the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Associate General Counsels (AGCs) to drive operational efficiency, devise and implement best practices, and support the team in delivering high-quality legal services to the organization. A core aspect of this role is fostering a culture of innovation, and leveraging advanced technology—including artificial intelligence (AI)—to transform legal processes and deliver forward-thinking solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Strategy and Leadership:

• Prepare the Department’s strategic plan to reflect the Department’s goals and priorities. 
• Lead initiatives to improve processes, systems, and workflows within the Department, including by implementing innovative technologies and AI-powered tools.
• Serve as a thought partner to the CLO and AGCs, championing an innovation-driven mindset and encouraging experimentation with emerging solutions.
• Work cross-functionally with professionals in HR, Finance, IT, and other business units.
• Supervise Department’s administrative staff.

Financial Management:

• Develop, track, and report on the Department’s annual and multi-year strategic operating plans, including budgeting and spend.
• Perform analysis and provide insights into the Department’s ongoing spend management efforts and cost control initiatives, including by using technology to increase efficiency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for the Department, and assist the Department in meeting or exceeding its budget goals.
• Manage monthly accruals and liaise with team leads, Finance Department, and vendors to ensure accurate accruals.

Vendor and Outside Counsel Management:

• Support the Associate General Counsel groups with negotiating and managing vendor contracts and outside counsel relationships, including with data-based analytics on pricing (including alternative billing arrangements) and ongoing fee management.
• Evaluate vendor performance and oversee the selection process, encouraging the use of AI-enabled platforms and forward-thinking service models.
• Support the AGCs’ management of the Department’s billing guidelines, including a review of the guidelines to ensure they remain best-in-class.

Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation:

• Perform a review of the Department’s existing software and systems, and, where appropriate, identify improved software and systems.
• Implement, and manage advanced legal technology solutions (e.g., matter management, e-billing, contract lifecycle management, e-discovery, legal analytics, and AI-driven document review).
• Continuously assess the legal technology landscape, evaluating opportunities to pilot or scale AI applications that enhance productivity, workflow automation, and risk mitigation.
• In collaboration with the AGCs, drive adoption of technology and facilitate ongoing training, ensuring that the Department is equipped to utilize the latest AI and digital tools.
• Collaborate with IT and innovation teams to ensure seamless integration of technology solutions and to promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Project and Program Management:

• As assigned by Department leadership, lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives within the Department, with a priority on technology-enabled transformation and process digitization.
• In collaboration with Department leadership, develop and track key performance indicators and metrics to measure the impact of technology, AI initiatives, and other innovations.

Process Improvement:

• Assess opportunities to streamline legal processes to enhance efficiency and scalability, utilizing data analytics and AI tools to identify and address bottlenecks.
• In collaboration with Department leadership, develop and maintain policies, procedures, and playbooks for legal operations, with a focus on digital best practices and AI governance.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Coordinate communication and develop agenda for the Department management meetings, all hands meetings, and retreats.
• Assess and develop knowledge management content and knowledge sharing capabilities within the Department.
• Assist the Department’s management team to develop personnel management processes, such as attorney onboarding, training, development, and staffing processes to realize organizational efficiencies.
• Role-model the Company’s core values and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• In collaboration with Department leadership, ensure compliance with all Company policies, guidelines and financial controls.
• Support compliance initiatives and risk mitigation strategies, leveraging technology and AI to improve accuracy and response times.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies, particularly in the adoption and deployment of AI technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in legal operations, law firm administration, human resources or related roles, with significant leadership experience.
  • Prefer demonstrated experience with legal budgeting, operations and/or project management.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with a proven ability to contribute in a fast-paced, changing work environment while working efficiently and at times, autonomously.
• Strong work ethic and sense of professionalism and discretion, demonstrating accountability, integrity, good judgment, and respect for confidentiality.
• Strong project management and change management skills, including experience leading technology and AI implementation projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• Possesses strong analytical skills with an ability to marshal evidence to develop strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across functions and at all organizational levels.
• Experience implementing legal technology solutions, piloting AI applications, and driving process improvements through innovation.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Leadership and team development
• Operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Change management
• Financial acumen
• Technological proficiency
• Fluency in the application of AI and emerging technologies
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Collaboration and stakeholder management
• Innovative mindset

Reporting Structure

The Manager of Legal Operations reports to the CLO and works closely with the AGCs, as well as Department attorneys, legal specialists, business partners, IT, innovation teams, and external vendors.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas currently.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.