Attorney

Posting Details

The Public Regulation Commission ("PRC") consists of three Commissioners appointed by the Governor and has responsibility for regulating public utilities as provided by law. Assisting the PRC in performing this function are the Hearing Examiners Division, the Legal Division, the Utility Division, the Office of Commission Counsel, the Pipeline Safety Division the Consumer Relations Division, and the Administrative Services Division. The Legal Division is mandated to provide legal counsel to all divisions, including the Utility Division and/or other divisions in litigated matters before the Commission. The Legal Division also provides legal counsel to the Commission in matters not involving advice on contested proceedings before the Commission.

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Why does the job exist?

This position is responsible for providing legal counsel and services to the Utility Division and other divisions, as well as to the Commission at large in matters not involving contested proceedings before the Commission. The primary focus of this position will be to litigate cases before the Commission on behalf of the Utility Division.

How does it get done?

Key responsibilities include the provision of legal services to the Utility Division in docketed proceedings before the Commission, i.e., litigation. Attorneys in the Legal Division prepare expert witnesses to testify and/or review written testimony for presentation in cases before the Commission. This position may also be responsible for advising the Commission and other divisions on other legal issues outside of contested proceedings before the Commission, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act. This position may also complete other responsibilities, as assigned.

Who are the customers?

The Legal Division represents the Utility Division in matters before the PRC, i.e., litigation. The Legal Division also may provide legal services to other divisions and to the Agency in matters that are not contested before the PRC.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should have litigation experience. Further, experience with regulatory law, strong legal research and writing abilities, and strong analytical and organizational skills are desired. Experience in utility regulation is helpful but not necessary. Litigation experience can come from civil and/or criminal litigation, including experience in court, presenting, defending and cross examining witnesses, both lay and expert, familiarity with civil discovery and motion practice, and taking and/or defending depositions. Also helpful is experience with case management and balancing priorities, including timely and effectively meeting deadlines.

Minimum Qualification

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.

Employment Requirements

All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.