FERC Energy Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a FERC Associate Attorney to join a nationally recognized FERC regulatory practice at a sophisticated law firm. This opportunity is available in Washington, DC (preferred), San Francisco, Seattle, or Portland.

The attorney will support a robust FERC practice advising electric and natural gas utilities, developers of generation, storage, transmission, and other energy infrastructure, as well as data center clients with complex energy and interconnection needs. The role will be approximately 80% FERC regulatory work, with the remainder supporting data center-related and energy transactional matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on matters arising under the Federal Power Act and Natural Gas Act.

• Represent utilities, developers, and energy market participants before FERC in regulatory proceedings.

• Handle matters involving:

  • Electric transmission rates and incentives

  • Interconnection and large-load issues, including data centers

  • Wholesale energy markets

  • Natural gas pipeline certification, rates, and compliance

• Assist with regulatory aspects of energy infrastructure transactions.

• Conduct legal research and draft regulatory filings and other legal documents.

• Manage agency interactions and regulatory proceedings.

• Collaborate across practices on infrastructure, regulatory, and energy transition matters.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of relevant experience.

• Meaningful experience with FERC regulatory matters.

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.

• Admission to practice in the relevant U.S. jurisdiction.

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

• Large law firm or government experience, particularly with FERC or a state commission.

• Experience with electric and/or natural gas regulatory matters.

• Familiarity with interconnection or energy infrastructure development.

• Familiarity with hydropower licensing is beneficial but not required.

• Interest in the intersection of regulation, infrastructure investment, and emerging energy demands, including data centers.

• Ability to manage multiple complex matters in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Location

Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR

Compensation

$215,000 - $315,000 annualized salary, with actual compensation dependent on education, training, experience, and other job-related factors.

Additional Information

This opportunity offers direct client exposure, meaningful responsibility, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to work on sophisticated FERC regulatory matters alongside growing data center and energy infrastructure work.