THE POSITION:
The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has openings for PUC Assistant Counsel 1s in the Law Bureau and seeks motivated attorneys eager to learn state and federal administrative, regulatory, and appellate practice in the diverse field of utility law involving electric, natural gas, motor carrier, railroad, telecom, pipeline, water, and wastewater utilities. The PUC Law Bureau offers a team practice environment, part-time telework, educational opportunities, opportunities for advancement, and excellent pay and benefit packages. If you are a highly motivated attorney who is eager to learn a practice area with statewide and national implications and who values integrity, teamwork, and trust, then apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position represents the Public Utility Commission, bureau directors, and other Commission employees on various legal, procedural, ethical, and policy matters through verbal and written communications. This position also represents the Commission in cases before state and federal appellate courts, before federal agencies (primarily the FCC and FERC), before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), and PA Office of Open Records (OOR). This position prepares memoranda, reports, legal opinions, draft orders, and proposed regulations for Commissioners, the Chief Counsel, client bureaus, other agencies, and the general public. Additional responsibilities may include:
Court Representation: Handle appeals and trials by preparing legal documents, gathering facts, and presenting arguments
Administrative Advocacy: Prepare filings and represent the Commission in proceedings before federal and state agencies
Legal Guidance: Provide clear legal advice, reports, and analyses on investigations and other matters
Document Preparation: Draft memoranda, opinions, letters, and suggested orders for many audiences
Public Engagement: Attend meetings and share information with other agencies and the public
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
Telework: Part-time work from home (telework) may be a potential feature of this position. The successful candidate is required to report to the headquarters worksite daily, unless the employee meets eligibility requirements and telework has been approved. Management may discontinue any telework arrangement at any time, for any reason. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office. To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements: Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters; and
Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Please direct all questions regarding reasonable distance and the type of available telework to the PUC Human Resource Office at ra-puchr@pa.gov or 717.787.8714.
Salary:
In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY Graduation from an approved school of law and certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, or preparatory steps to become a member thereof.
Continued employment is conditional upon the obtaining of such certificate of admission.
Additional Requirements:
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
