OPEN: January 7, 2025
CLOSE: Until Filled
ATTORNEY – #25-02
(Assistant Public Counsel)
(Attorney I)
Monthly Salary: $4,802 – $6,165
(Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience)
(More than one position may be filled from this posting)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Attorney will perform entry-level legal work, including representing the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) in administrative law proceedings, including contested case proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, and appeals of regulatory agency decisions before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and state courts. The Attorney may have administrative law experience preferably in the electric and/or water utility industries in Texas; experience with regulatory and contested case litigation; strong ability to interpret laws, regulations, rules, and policy decisions; strong, legal writing skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
Essential Job Duties:
- Represents OPUC in administrative law proceedings, including contested case proceedings and rulemaking proceedings, in the electric and water utility industries before the PUCT and SOAH
- Leads or assists in leading administrative law litigation, including preparation for and trial of electric and water utility rate-related cases; developing motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; working with expert witnesses to develop written expert testimony; conducting discovery and depositions; working with other attorneys assigned to the case; and developing and executing litigation strategy
- Represents OPUC rulemaking proceedings, including analyzing and interpreting existing rules and proposed rule amendments; developing comments, and working with other attorneys and/or staff assigned to the proceeding.
- Represents or assists in representing OPUC in appeals of regulatory agency decisions before state courts, as needed.
- Provides assistance with legal matters in the telecommunications industry, as needed.
- Analyzes and interprets state and federal law, regulations, rules, and policy decisions.
- Assists with analyzing and interpreting pending and passed legislation.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Law degree from an accredited law school
- Licensed to practice law in Texas, with good standing at the State Bar of Texas. Recent graduates awaiting results from the Texas Bar Exam are encouraged to apply.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in Administrative Law preferably in litigation of electric and/or water utility cases in Texas, including contested case proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, and appeals of regulatory agency decisions before state courts.
REQUIRED:
A legal writing sample will be required from candidates that are interviewed by the Chief Executive and Public Counsel.
MILITARY OCCUPATION CODES:
http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf
Remarks:
- Candidates may be offered a position on a temporary basis, contingent on their successful passage of the Texas Bar Exam.
- Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit a transcript and/or a writing sample.
- License to practice law in Texas of the selected candidate will be verified through the State Bar of Texas.
- The position may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet critical deadlines.
- More than one position may be filled under this posting.
- OPUC participates in E-verify and will provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
- A satisfactory driving record may be required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Employees may have their driving record evaluated.
- Employees are required to comply with Office policies and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.
- The Office of Public Utility Counsel has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.
| The Office of Public Utility Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. A disabled individual requiring reasonable accommodation shall not be denied opportunity due to the disability. The applicant should communicate requests for reasonable accommodation. |
APPLICATION: Send a completed State of Texas Application and references via “Fill The Form” Link below.
You can also send it to:
Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel
ATTN: Human Resources
P.O. Box 12397
Austin, TX 78711-2397
Phone: 512-936-7500
Fax: 512-936-7525
Email: hr_opuc@opuc.texas.gov
State of Texas applications entered via the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) website will also be accepted.