Energy Regulatory Litigation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Energy Regulatory Litigation Associate to join the Regulatory & Compliance Practice of a leading Am Law firm in Richmond. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 2–4 years of experience in energy regulation, administrative law, or civil litigation who is interested in representing major utility clients in high-profile regulatory proceedings before state public utility commissions.

This role offers substantial client exposure, courtroom-style advocacy in administrative proceedings, and the opportunity to help shape the evolving energy regulatory landscape while working with one of the nation's premier energy practices.

Responsibilities

• Represent electric, natural gas, water, and other regulated utility clients in administrative litigation before public service commissions.
• Handle matters involving utility rate cases, fuel and gas cost recovery proceedings, integrated resource planning, certificate proceedings, renewable energy regulation, transmission issues, and utility acquisitions.
• Advise clients on regulatory compliance and strategic issues affecting regulated utilities and independent power producers.
• Support regulatory aspects of financings, acquisitions, dispositions, and development of energy and utility assets.
• Draft briefs, motions, testimony, regulatory filings, and other advocacy materials.
• Participate in evidentiary hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals arising from public utility commission decisions.
• Collaborate with attorneys across regulatory, litigation, corporate, and energy practices to provide comprehensive legal solutions.
• Develop strong client relationships while managing sophisticated regulatory matters in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 2–4 years of experience in energy regulation, administrative litigation, civil litigation, or another regulatory practice.
• Prior experience with state or federal energy regulation is preferred, though candidates with strong litigation or regulatory backgrounds and an interest in developing energy expertise are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Judicial clerkship experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to exceptional client service.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Active membership in the Virginia Bar, eligibility for admission by reciprocity, or willingness to sit for the Virginia Bar within six months of joining the firm.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, including performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, and firm-sponsored wellness programs.
• Hybrid work environment with meaningful mentorship, advanced legal technology resources, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on sophisticated energy regulatory litigation for major utility clients across multiple jurisdictions.