STAFF ATTORNEY I,II and III PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Full job description
Introduction
Staff Attorneys in the Counsel Division provide a full range of legal services to the Commission’s Technical Staff (comprised of engineers, economists, analysts, and other specialists). Your core responsibilities will include:

Representing Technical Staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross-examination, and drafting pleadings and briefs.

Participating in Commission-sponsored work groups addressing a wide range of regulatory and policy issues (e.g., electric vehicle infrastructure, offshore wind development, utility cybersecurity).

Drafting and presenting proposed regulations.

Reviewing legislation and developing Staff recommendations on bills affecting regulated industries.

Assisting in monitoring and enforcing compliance with Commission rules and orders.

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

Assignments will vary depending on your experience, but all attorneys are expected to manage matters that have a meaningful impact on Maryland’s economy, environment, and consumers. The PSC is committed to professional development and offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the agency.

GRADE
Staff Attorney I, 19

Staff Attorney II, 20

Staff Attorney III, 21

LOCATION OF POSITION
William Donald Schaeffer Tower

6 St, Paul Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job
Staff Attorneys in the Counsel Division provide a full range of legal services to the Commission’s Technical Staff (comprised of engineers, economists, analysts, and other specialists). Your core responsibilities will include: • Representing Technical Staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross-examination, and drafting pleadings and briefs. • Participating in Commission-sponsored work groups addressing a wide range of regulatory and policy issues (e.g., electric vehicle infrastructure, offshore wind development, utility cybersecurity). • Drafting and presenting proposed regulations. • Reviewing legislation and developing Staff recommendations on bills affecting regulated industries. • Assisting in monitoring and enforcing compliance with Commission rules and orders. • Delivering clear, effective written and oral communications on complex legal and policy matters. • Assignments will vary depending on your experience, but all attorneys are expected to manage matters that have a meaningful impact on Maryland’s economy, environment, and consumers. The PSC is committed to professional development and offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the agency.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

Admission to the Maryland Bar or eligibility for prompt admission by waiver.

Experience:

Staff Attorney I: Completed J.D. Degree and Maryland Bar Admission or ability to be admitted by waiver, Internships and/or coursework in one or more relevant specialties including, but not limited to Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, and Environmental Science, Satisfactory Academic Performance (Law School GPA 3.0 or above).

Staff Attorney II: Two years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities

Note:

Three years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry 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.

Staff Attorney III: Four years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities

Note:

Six years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Attorneys with a passion for public service and a keen interest in complex regulatory challenges. The PSC welcomes applications from attorneys at the entry, intermediate, and experienced levels. Successful candidates will bring:

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 interdisciplinary teams.

Sound professional judgment and a commitment to ethical public service.

Experience with administrative law, regulatory law, legislative drafting, or public policy is highly desirable, though not required.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Candidates for a position in this classification must be a member of the Bar in any state or federal jurisdiction, at the time of appointment.

2. 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.

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
State law prohibits employees in this classification from engaging in certain transactions with or having interest in public service companies which may fall under the purview of the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Public Utilities Article, Title 2. Public Service Commission and People's Counsel, Subtitle 303 Ethics-Relationship with public service company and Title 13. Prohibited Acts; Penalties, Subtitle 101 and 204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The State of Maryland offers a comprehensive benefits package, including [Mention key benefits, e.g., health insurance, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, retirement plans, paid leave (annual, sick, personal), and holidays.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

Interested candidates should complete the standard Maryland State Job application and upload the following to documents:

Resume

Cover Letter (including a statement of interest explaining why you are drawn to this position)

Writing Sample

List of three professional references

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

 
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United States
Maryland
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