PUC Assistant Counsel 1

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) is looking for recent law school graduates who enjoy working in a team-based environment and are interested in beginning their career in utility law-focused litigation as an Assistant Counsel 1 (AC1). Positions are available in both the Rates Division and the Enforcement Division of I&E.

If you are highly motivated, detail-oriented, and interested in a career in litigation, you are encouraged to apply. 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.

Rates Division:

In the Rates Division, the AC1-Rates, 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, working with technical staff in the preparation of all required reports to the commission. In the case of other filings such as petitions and applications, assisting in determining the appropriate I&E response. At the direction of the supervisor, the AC1-Rates will prepare research, analyses and recommendations on a variety of issues involving ratemaking, administrative procedure, evidence, and trial practice.

The AC1-Rates is responsible for actions taken in the prosecution of rate investigations or other assignments, 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. These responsibilities include: 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 pleadings; and drafting main briefs and reply briefs, exceptions, and requests for reconsideration or modification.

Enforcement Division:

In the Enforcement Division, the AC1-Enforcement responsibilities include the review of informal investigations and other pertinent documents referred to I&E 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-Enforcement will prepare research, analyses, and recommendations on a variety of issues involving informal investigations, administrative procedures, evidence, and trial practice. The AC1-Enforcement works 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 proceeding to litigation, prepare pleadings and interrogatories, prepare and present witnesses and exhibits, cross-examine witnesses and analyze evidence, litigate before PUC Administrative Law Judges, and prepare and file motions, briefs, exceptions and other pleadings as necessary for the prosecution of cases.

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: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 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

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

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from an approved school of law and certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, or preparatory steps to become a member thereof.
• Continued employment is conditional upon the obtaining of such certificate of admission.

Additional Requirement:

• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.