PUC Assistant Counsel 3 (Non-Supervisory)

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has openings for Assistant Counsel 3 (AC3) prosecutorial positions within the Rates Division of the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E). If you are highly motivated, experienced in administrative and/or regulatory matters, and value integrity, teamwork, and trust, you are encouraged to apply!

In this position, you will serve as Assistant Counsel 3 (AC3) for the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement's (I&E) Rates Division by representing the public interest in ratemaking matters before PUC Administrative Law Judges. The AC3 is responsible for researching, evaluating the relative merits of legal positions, and subsequently resolving matters by settlement or litigating such matters, including preparing interrogatories, preparing and presenting witnesses and exhibits, cross-examining witnesses, analyzing evidence, making oral arguments, and preparing and filing petitions, motions, briefs, exceptions, and other pleadings. Specifically, the AC3 will have responsibility for:

• Analyzing written documents such as rate filings, interrogatories, and testimony
• Coordinating a team of technical staff and preparing briefs, memoranda, and relevant correspondence
• Responsible for developing a prosecutory strategy for discovery, testimony, cross-examination, and settlement negotiations as a lead attorney in any rate filings.
• Preparing research, analysis, and recommendations on a variety of issues involving formal and informal investigations, administrative procedures, evidence, and trial practice
• Working independently or with co-counsel to evaluate the relative merits of legal positions and to subsequently prepare data requests and negotiate settlement agreements, or, if processing to litigation, prepare interrogatories, present witnesses and exhibits, cross-examine witnesses, and analyze evidence, litigate before PUC Administrative Law Judges
• Preparing and filing motions, briefs, exceptions, and other pleadings as necessary for the prosecution of cases
• Providing assistance as directed in offering recommendations and counsel to the Chief Prosecutor and Deputy Chief Prosecutor when consulted on legal issues or policy matters affecting the public interest.

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: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. 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.
  • Within a reasonable travel distance of Harrisburg; 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.

To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements:

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.

Salary

• $86,299 - $131,208/year

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• The well-qualified candidate will have three years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, with some experience in highly responsible and complex professional legal work which provided exposure to governmental regulatory law (regarding public utilities) or administrative law and graduation from an approved school of law or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or eligibility for such certification.

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience with litigation in PUC jurisdictional matters.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.