Attorney Advisor

Job Summary

This position is in the Public Service Commission’s (Commission) Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The Commission oversees the utility and competitive companies that provide natural gas, electricity, and telecommunications services to District of Columbia ratepayers.OGC is responsible for all legal issues involving the day-to-day operations of the Commission, as well as a broad spectrum of issues that relate to the Commission’s regulatory responsibilities. OGC represents and advises the Commission on all actions and proceedings set forth in the enabling statute or any other legislation. The staff of attorneys prepares orders and advisory memoranda and assists the Commissioners in conducting all proceedings of the Commission.

This position provides legal utility regulatory expertise to the Commission, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Commission staff on various regulatory matters and issues. The work requires legal advisory, administrative expertise, and substantive experience in the utility regulation environment and/or energy law. This work impacts the overall mission of the Commission, the OGC, and how its functions are carried out.

The Commission is currently deploying a hybrid telework schedule. As of October 1, 2024, it will include two days each week of teleworking, and three days each week in our 13th and G Street offices. We also offer a competitive salary range, a generous travel stipend for public transportation, and an attractive benefits package. The Commission’s benefits package encompasses a flexible menu of comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options, as well as a strong set of portable retirement benefits and savings options. The Commission also offers attractive vacation and sick leave time, as well as paid holidays, consistent with District government provisions.

The Commission also seeks to optimize work-life balance through an attractive set of work schedule options, including Flex time schedules, Teleworking options, and Alternative Work Schedules. As an organization dedicated to professional development and learning, the Commission encourages staff to participate in regulatory and industry association activities, as well as educational and professional training. Tuition reimbursement may also be available.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent drafts orders, memos, motions, rulemakings, notices and other documents and prepares briefs and post-trial documents for Commission cases.Conducts legal research and provides detailed oral and/or written advice with respect to proposed actions, alternative actions, and hypothetical situations. Reviews and analyzes records of hearings, including briefs, exceptions, rulings, tentative decisions, and reports of findings of facts and conclusions of law and may appear on behalf of the Commission before the D.C. Courts.Prepares and files appropriate responses with respect to such matters. Performs functions related to case and calendar management, e.g., preparation of case transfer of close-out reports, case file entry, documentation of action, timely review of legal proceedings, and any other administrative functions associated with the conclusion of matters. Acts as a hearing officer in formal complaints and facilitates and coordinates stakeholder meetings. The incumbent will work closely with internal stakeholders, including the technical team (accountants, engineers, and economists), as well as the Commissioners and their policy advisors. The incumbent will also interface consistently with outside stakeholders such as utility companies, government agencies, and other groups and organizations.

The incumbent will be under the supervision of the General Counsel and/or Deputy General Counsel.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector.

The candidate must possess a minimum of three (3) years of substantial legal experience, two (2) years which shall be in energy law and or utility regulation. This position requires a comprehensive knowledge of utility regulation and/or energy law, a wide range of pertinent laws, Commission policies, regulations, and procedures, federal and state laws, Commission precedents, and judicial decisions. The position also requires skill in analysis and resolution of legal issues in an orderly, systematic, and effective manner; skill in identifying and isolating controlling legal issues from complex factual situations; and skill in applying sound judgment in review and analysis of matters and deriving logical conclusions from the review and analysis. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills, and outstanding legal research skills. The candidate must be organized and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must have experience handling a large volume of cases and possess the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing the quality of work. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, project management skills, and the ability to build and maintain working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. The successful candidate should be a self-starter who can work with a high degree of independence.

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)

Licensures, Certifications, and Other Requirements

Must be an active member of the District of Columbia Bar and have a Certificate of Good Standing filed with the Superior Court or eligible for waiver into the bar. If eligible for a waiver, the candidate must be sworn into the District of Columbia Bar within 360 days of commencing employment with the Office of the General Counsel of the Commission.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in a typical office environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. A modest amount of travel to conferences and meetings both within and outside of the District may be necessary.

Other Significant Facts

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: LA-0905-14

Salary Range: $132,688 - $172,522 per annum, based on funding.

Tour of Duty: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.

Duration of Appointment: Legal Services

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by C34/AFGE 1403, and you may be required to pay union dues or an agency service fee through payroll deduction.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.