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, 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 will prepare research, analyses, and recommendations on a variety of issues involving ratemaking, administrative procedure, evidence, and trial practice.

The Rates Division AC1 is responsible for actions taken in the prosecution of rate investigations and complaints assigned, 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 briefs and reply briefs, exceptions, and requests for reconsideration or modification.

Enforcement Division

In the Enforcement Division, responsibilities include the review of formal and/or 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 will prepare research, analyses, and recommendations on a variety of issues involving formal and informal investigations, administrative procedures, evidence, and trial practice.  The AC1 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 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.
  • To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements: 
    • Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters 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.govor 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.

• 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 Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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