STAFF ATTORNEY I,II and III PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

The Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission), an independent regulatory agency, is seeking a skilled and motivated attorney to join its Staff Counsel Division.

This position is at the forefront of a new area of law, focusing on the parts of the Commission’s work pertaining to the development and regulation of wind energy generating facilities. The Commission regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland, as well as gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of generating stations and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons. 

In recent years, the Commission has been given expanding requirements to oversee and prioritize the development and regulation of wind energy electricity generating facilities, in particular offshore wind facilities and associated transmission.

Staff Attorney I (Wind Program), 19

Staff Attorney II (Wind Program), 20

Staff Attorney III (Wind Program), 21

William Donald Schaeffer Tower

6 St, Paul Street 

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Attorneys in the Staff Counsel Division provide vital legal representation and policy guidance.  The work is fast-paced, intellectually challenging, and deeply consequential for Maryland’s economy, environment, and residents.  We welcome candidates with a strong legal foundation, a commitment to public service, and an aptitude for complex and evolving regulatory issues.  Join us and make a tangible difference in Maryland’s energy and utility landscape. 

Core responsibilities include: 

Representation of Commission technical staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross examination and brief preparation 

Participating in and sharing in Commission sponsored work groups addressing a wide range of regulatory and policy issues, in particular offshore wind development issues 

Drafting and presenting proposed regulations 

Review proposed legislation and developing Staff recommendations on bills affecting regulated industries 

Assisting in monitoring and enforcement of Commission rules and orders 

Delivering clear, effective written and oral communication on complex legal and policy matters 

Working with and helping to lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals in the implementation of the Maryland Public Service Commission’s Wind Program

The Commission welcomes applications from attorneys at the entry, intermediate, and experienced levels. Successful candidates will have relevant experience or educational background: 

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law

A candidate for a position in this classification must be a member of the Bar in any state or federal jurisdiction at the time of appointment, and if not currently a member, must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of appointment 

Experience: 

Staff Attorney I (Wind Program):  Completed J.D. Degree and Maryland Bar membership or the ability to waive into , Internships and/or coursework and job experience in one or more relevant specialties including, but not limited to Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Energy Lae, Wind Energy Development, and Environmental Science, Satisfactory Academic Performance (Law School GPA 3.0 or above); 

Staff Attorney II (Wind Program): Two years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or wind energy development 

Note:

Three years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry or wind energy development company may be substituted for the required experience.

Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group fiend of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.  Mainly used for your trainee level in class series. 

Four or more years practicing law before state or federal administrative agencies may be substituted for the required experience.

Candidates should submit law school transcripts.  If the candidate claims other relevant educational experience, undergraduate and/or graduate school transcripts should also be submitted.

Staff Attorney III (Wind Program): Four years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or to wind energy development or regulation, or in a wind energy development company

Note:

Six years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry law practice or company, may be substituted for the required experience.

Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. 

Eight or more years practicing law before state or federal administrative agencies may be substituted for the required experience.

Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills 

The ability to analyze complex issues and communicate recommendations clearly and persuasively 

A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team 

Sound professional judgment and a commitment to ethical public service 

Experience with administrative law, regulatory law, legislative drafting, or public policy is highly desirable 

Trial litigation skills

1. Employees in this classification must be Attorneys-at-law, who are duly admitted and enrolled to practice before the Court of Appeals of this State within 18 months of appointment.  Failure to obtain Court of Appeals admission and enrollment within 18 months of appointment will constitute grounds for termination from the position.  This requirement is set by the Public Service Commission in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 20.07.01.04.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The state of Maryland offers a comprehensive benefits package, including individual and family health insurance, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, pension and retirement savings plans, and paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: 

301 West Preston Street

Suite 608

Baltimore, MD 21291 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application, but should be provided as an attachment. Applicants should also attach a cover letter including a statement describing why you are interested in this position, two writing samples, and a list of three professional references, with contact information. 

For application inquiries, please call 410-767-3386 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.  People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.  We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.