Attorney

The Public Service Commission seeks an attorney to aid our agency in exercising regulatory oversight of some of the largest essential industries in Montana. The Commission works to ensure fair prices, responsible business practices, and reliable services for Montana customers. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with a small but innovative state agency. The successful candidate will join our team of attorneys who find the work to be interesting, meaningful, and critical to our agency’s goal of serving the citizens of Montana extraordinarily well.

Duties:

Represents the Commission before state and federal courts in a variety of litigation matters including high-profile cases, or cases involving significant liability exposure.
Conducts investigations, prepares reports, and advises the Commission as well as its staff on the results of investigations. 
Advises the Commission on complex contested case proceedings across multiple fields of law within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
Acts as a hearing examiner in contested case proceedings, or prepare appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, and proposed orders for the Commission.
Appears before various state and federal legislative and administrative bodies to represent the Commission’s interests in rulemaking and legislative proceedings.
Assists drafting and editing legislation and administrative rules.
Formulates and implements federal and state legislative policies.
Monitors and reports on state and federal legislative enactments.
Analyzes, interprets, and advises Commissioners and regulatory staff about new laws and issues of first impression. 
Assists with and advises on responses to public records requests.
Advises on the application of Montana’s open meeting laws.
Advises Commissioners and communications staff on interactions with members of the local, state, and regional press.  
Prepares evidence, exhibits, and other legal documents, and interviews parties, witnesses, and experts necessary to prepare for litigation. 
Attends hearings, listening sessions, and investigative audits. 

Required Application Materials:

Please submit a cover letter describing how your professional career, experience, and education prepared you to meet the requirements of this position; a two-page resume detailing all relevant work experiences, including employer, and duties; and a writing sample (e.g., a brief, legal memo, order or similar work product you have authored) authored by you alone.  

All applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit copies of diplomas and licenses.

Special Information\: This job is newly funded and may be filled  as a Law Clerk or Attorney depending on the successful candidate's preferred job occupation. Please apply for the position that interets you the most and complete the posting's required application materials. 

Benefits Provided\:  On the first day of employment, employees and eligible dependents receive health coverage with medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions including free health care provided by the Montana Health Care Center.  Wellness programs, life insurance, and retirement plan choices are offered.  New employees also receive prorated 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and paid holidays including a floating holiday.  Flexible schedules may be considered as work/life balance is healthy and encouraged. 

The Montana Department of Public Service Regulation (DPSR) is a small state agency with a big impact. We are headed by 5 elected commissioners (the Commission) representing every region of beautiful Montana. Commonly referred to as the Public Service Commission (PSC), our agency is staffed by a team of approximately 33 professionals in the Legal, Regulatory, and Centralized Services Divisions. The PSC is responsible for supervising monopolistic industries within Montana to ensure fair prices, responsible business practices, and sustainable, reliable service for the Montana customers who rely upon them. Regulated industries currently include privately held power, water, sewer, telecommunications, sanitation, and certain commercial transportation providers. The PSC also plays a vital role in railway and pipeline safety. The agency has a clear and well-defined strategic plan to enhance our operations, work environment, and value to the public. Our team includes seasoned leaders with expertise and institutional knowledge coupled with newly elected commissioners with innovative ideas for the agency.  

Employees enjoy a personable work environment. Staff members are encouraged to cross-train with other positions, providing an opportunity for diversified professional experiences and advancement. The PSC provides ample parking in a private parking lot immediately adjacent to our ground-floor office space, and the building is conveniently located between two of Helena’s least congested thoroughfares -- making the drive, walk or ride to work quick and easy.

Competencies:

Knowledge of Montana Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure, Montana Rules of Evidence, Uniform District Court Rules, and the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, personal computers, office machines, and other job-related technologies.
Proficiency in legal research, including a working knowledge of electronic legal research platforms (e.g., Lexis/Westlaw) and printed research materials.
Excellent legal writing skills and oral advocacy skills.
Excellent organization, prioritization, multitasking and time management skills.
Strong sense of discretion, integrity, and professional responsibility in handling confidential and/or sensitive material.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and individually.
Strong sense of the chain of command, decorum, and professionalism.
Education and Experience 

Qualifications 
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in Montana or admission within one year from the date of hire.
At least two years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred.
Familiarity with general principles of utility regulation or a professional background with utility, energy, or administrative law is preferred.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.