The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates various aspects (including rates, safety, non-discriminatory access and service, environmental protection) of electric and natural gas, water, communications, and rail and other transportation services in California. The CPUC is comprised of five Commissioners, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The CPUC employs economists, engineers, administrative law judges, accountants, lawyers, and safety and transportation specialists. The Public Advocate's Office of the PUC is an independent arm of the CPUC that represents consumers in CPUC proceedings, pursuant to statute.
The Legal Division is looking for enthusiastic and motivated attorneys to support the complex and high impact work of the Commission. The Legal Division is directed by statute to represent and appear for the people of the State of California, the Commission, and the Commission staff in all actions and proceedings involving any question under the Public Utilities Code or under any order or act of the Commission. We are committed to providing high quality, timely legal services to all of our clients.
Lawyers in the CPUC’s Legal Division both litigate and advise on matters as varied as:
Just and reasonable utility rates
The safety, reliability, and resiliency of utility infrastructure, including cybersecurity
Climate change and renewable energy
Internet neutrality
Phone service quality and 9-1-1 reliability
Safe drinking water and water conservation efforts
Environmental justice, equity for Disadvantaged Communities, and non-discriminatory service
Vehicle Electrification
Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft
Rail and transit safety
Environmental protection
Join the CPUC to advance the Energy, Water, Communications, Transportation and Utility Safety Systems of the Future!
For more information on the CPUC, read our Annual Report at:
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Job Description And Duties
Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
Under direction from an Assistant Chief, on some occasions, under case direction from senior counsel:
An Attorney III independently performs the more complex and sensitive legal work for the Commission. Typical tasks may include: assignment to appellate court proceedings to defend Commission decisions which may be under appeal, appearing in oral arguments, litigation before the Commission and federal regulatory agencies in cases involving a high degree of importance and complexity. Attorneys at this level independently conduct or direct administrative litigation and appear before state and federal courts and federal regulatory agencies; and advise Commissioners and staff on difficult issues involving the application of statutes and case law to the Commission’s activities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active membership in The California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following:
Describe, with specificity, your experience with and specific interest in public utility regulation and law and policy, or any other relevant experience you've had in public service.
Final Filing Date: 4/9/2025
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Resume is required and must be included.
Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.