Assistant Counsel, NS-31

Duties

The Assistant Counsel, NS-31, functioning as Senior Attorney, will work in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on litigation and enforcement matters related to compliance with the Public Service Law, Commission regulations, and orders. Under the direction of supervising attorneys, duties would include, but are not limited to:
• Analyzing potential violations of Public Service Law, regulations, and commission orders and making recommendations related to enforcement actions.
• Leading investigations assigned by the Director of the Office of Investigation and Enforcement.
• Conducting research and preparing memoranda on legal issues related to actions of the Commission including, without limitation, consumer protection matters.
• Drafting orders to carry out all recommendations submitted to and directives promulgated by the Commission.
• Examining witnesses in investigations and proceedings conducted by and before the Commission.
• Bringing judicial actions before the courts of New York when appropriate.
• Researching and interpreting complex areas of regulatory law, Commission decisions and business practices as well as economic or public policies.
• Appearing for and on behalf of the Commission and the People of the State of New York (utility consumers) in administrative and legal proceedings pertaining to interstate natural gas, electric, and telephone services.
• Representing the Commission and the Department in Civil Practice Laws and Rules Article 78 proceedings seeking review of agency determinations in trial and appellate courts.
• Overseeing the work of lower-level attorneys and support staff.
• Providing regular unit updates to the Managing Attorney and Deputy Director.
• Coordinating with a team of Department Staff on complex investigations.
• Interfacing with Department Staff and partner agencies to explore new work streams and items of multi-agency jurisdiction.

Salary

• $131,256 - $159,784/year

Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar and five years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to Bar admission.

Candidates must have multi-year prior litigation and/or government prosecutor experience, along with strong communications and investigation skills. Candidates must possess and demonstrate strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Experience in regulatory law including the energy, telecommunications, or water sectors is preferred.

Other Information

About the Department:
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) seeks to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York residential and commercial consumers, while protecting the environment. Consistent with this mission, the Department also oversees the siting of clean, renewable, and distributed energy generation and transmission resources to benefit New Yorkers.

The Office of General Counsel is seeking energetic, skilled enforcement and litigation attorneys who will engage in cutting-edge legal, technology, financial, consumer protection, and compliance issues and play a key role in advancing the public interest for New Yorkers. DPS attorneys work in a collegial environment with ample opportunity to improve skills through training, supervision, and mentoring. Learn more about DPS and how you can make a difference by checking out our video and more at: https://dps.ny.gov/employment-opportunities

Remarks:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. As such, the incumbent of this position would serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Appointment to this position is contingent upon Division of Budget approval.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at https://dps.ny.gov.

How to Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to recruiting@dps.ny.gov or fax to Human Resources Management at (518)473-9990. Please reference “Assistant Counsel NS-31, posting 00240” when applying.