Attorney 4

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Attorney 4

Legal Department

Hourly Rate\: $37.53

About The Legal Department:

The Legal Department's staff attorneys assist the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) in preparing testimony and reports, review contracts, and advise on legal matters. 

What You'll Do:

In this position as an Attorney 4 you will:

• Review, research, and advise on legal matters occurring at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for departments as assigned by management
• Analyze regulatory filings to identify legal issues and coordinate legal positions and activities in various cases for PUCO staff (e.g. Application to Increase Rates (AIRs), Commission Ordered Investigations (COI), Applications for Tariff Approval (ATA), Applications for Certificate (ACE)) in consultation with management and in concert with the Ohio Attorney General's Office
• Develop and recommend legal options for enforcement strategies, legislation, and changes within the utility industries
• Formulate, implement, evaluate, and make recommendations to Management and Department Directors concerning state and federal policy, departmental programs, and PUCO policies and procedures
• Monitor agency policies, procedures, and testimony at hearings 
• Assist staff in preparing written or oral expert testimony and preparing for presenting such testimony as a witness at hearings before the PUCO
• Assist staff in drafting legal and regulatory filings before the PUCO and/or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Participate in settlement negotiations on regulatory matters
• Draft, review, and negotiate PUCO contracts
• Assist with processing public records requests
• Complete legal research and provide advice on ethics law

Report in location\:  180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215, Franklin County.

 Our organization currently follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office as needed and based on operational need. This is subject to change with limited notice.  A teleworking agreement must be approved by management. 

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code; 12 mos. exp. as licensed attorney; 6 mos. exp. in employee training & development.

Job Skills: Attorney/Legal

The Public Utilities Commissions of Ohio (PUCO) affects nearly every household in Ohio. The PUCO regulates providers of all types of utility services which includes electric and natural gas companies, local and long-distance telephone, water and wastewater, and rail and trucking companies. More recently, the PUCO gained responsibility for facilitating competitive utility choices for Ohio consumers.

To carry out our responsibilities, the PUCO employs a professional staff that includes engineers, economists, attorneys, and safety inspectors. Continually monitoring the activities of utility and transportation companies, the PUCO works to ensure safe and reliable services for all Ohioans.

Our mission is to assure all residential and business consumers access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices, while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Applications must clearly indicate how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by information provided in the work experience and/or education sections on your civil service application. If you have attached supporting documents in the past, you must make them relevant on your current application. If you don not demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications in the supplemental questions your application may be disqualified from consideration.