Puc Assistant Counsel 1

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) is looking for a recent law school graduate who enjoys working in a team-based environment, interested in beginning a career in utility law-focused litigation as an Assistant Counsel 1 (AC1). Positions are available in both the Rates Division and the Enforcement Division. The Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement is a highly rewarding bureau to work for due to its charge to represent the public interest and its team-based atmosphere. Do not delay, apply today!

Rates Division

In the Rates Division, the AC1, under the guidance of a senior attorney and supervision of the Deputy Chief Prosecutor, is responsible for the review of rate filings and other documents to determine the proper Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) response. In the case of rate filings, work is completed with technical staff in the preparation of all required reports to the commission. In the case of other filings such as petitions and applications, assistance is provided in determining the appropriate I&E response. At the direction of the supervisor, the AC1 will prepare research, analyze, and make recommendations on a variety of issues involving ratemaking, administrative procedure, evidence, and trial practice. The Rates Division AC1 is responsible for actions taken in the prosecution of rate investigations and complaints assigned, including acting as the sole attorney representing I&E in rate cases under one million dollars, and as co-counsel on rate filings over one million dollars. Work also involves:

• Preparing and filing all prehearing motions and petitions
• Coordinating a staff prosecutory team which includes accountants, economists, engineers, and public utility analysts
• Developing a coordinated prosecutory strategy for discovery, cross-examination, and requests for reconsideration or modification
• Drafting discovery documents
• Negotiating settlements in ADR forum or before the assigned Administrative Law Judge
• Assisting in the preparation of direct testimony
• Conducting cross-examination
• Presenting oral argument and hearing motions and pleading
• Drafting briefs and reply briefs, exceptions, and requests for reconsideration or modification

Enforcement Division

In the Enforcement Division, AC1 responsibilities include the review of formal or informal investigations and other pertinent documents referred to I&E. This work is completed to determine and implement the appropriate enforcement action in all prosecutory matters other than rate cases involving all utility areas for violations of the Public Utility Code and the Code of Federal Regulations, among others, before PUC Administrative Law Judges and mediators. At the direction of the Bureau Director or Deputy Chief Prosecutor, the AC1 will prepare research, analyze, and make recommendations on a variety of issues involving formal and informal investigations, administrative procedures, evidence, and trial practice. The AC1 works independently or with co-counsel to:

• Evaluate the relative merits of legal positions

• Prepare data requests and negotiate settlement agreements

• Prepare interrogatories

• Prepare and present witnesses and exhibits

• Cross-examine witnesses and analyze evidence

• Litigate before PUC Administrative Law Judges

• Prepare and file motions, briefs, exceptions, and other pleadings as necessary for the prosecution of cases

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Customized work schedules are 7.5 hours between 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30 or 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.

Salary

• $66,250 - $100,636/year

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; or
• Completion of all preparatory steps and application to take the Pennsylvania Bar Exam and become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Continued employment is conditional upon obtaining such certificate of admission to the PA Bar.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

• Your application must include a resume.
• You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application for review by the hiring manager. However, 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.