Assistant Consumer Advocate I/II/III

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Assistant Consumer Advocate to join their team. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to engage in legal work that protects utility consumers in Pennsylvania. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of attorneys, developing legal strategies and opinions while gaining valuable experience in trial practice and regulatory law. With a focus on consumer protection, this role will allow you to make a significant impact in the community while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a supportive work environment. If you're passionate about public interest law and eager to advocate for consumers, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pension Plan

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in consumer protection or public interest law.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and research regulatory filings.
• Prepare trial and appellate motions and briefs.
• Represent the OCA in hearings before the PUC.

Skills

Legal Research

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Consumer Protection Law

Administrative Law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Consumer Advocate

The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) seeks a full-time attorney to serve as an Assistant Consumer Advocate. The OCA is the statutory representative of Pennsylvania utility consumers before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), federal regulatory agencies, and state and federal courts. As an Assistant Consumer Advocate, an attorney can expect to perform a variety of legal work in the utility law sector, such as trial practice before the PUC and appellate practice before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, working with a dedicated team of attorneys to develop legal opinions and strategies that protect Pennsylvania utility consumers, and developing multi-disciplinary skills in accounting, engineering, and consumer protection work.

Full-time employees receive all Commonwealth health benefits (including dental and vision), pension, and other benefits for management personnel. Telework: Part-time telework may be available for this position. Salaries are based on qualifications and experience, and generally fall within the following ranges:

• Assistant Consumer Advocate I: $65,741 - $101,282
• Assistant Consumer Advocate II: $75,208 - $115,639 (Minimum 2 years' experience)
• Assistant Consumer Advocate III: $85,966 - $132,245 (Minimum 3 years' experience)

Key Responsibilities:

1. Analyze and research regulatory filings.
2. Manage and direct expert witnesses, including coordinating the development of testimony and preparing them for cross-examination.
3. Prepare and conduct cross-examination of expert witnesses.
4. Prepare trial and appellate motions and briefs.
5. Represent the OCA in hearings before the PUC in rate cases and other filings.
6. Travel to and represent the OCA in education and outreach events throughout the Commonwealth.
7. Assist consumers, both formally and informally, in complaint proceedings before the PUC.
8. Participate in rulemaking proceedings before the PUC.

Individuals who have graduated law school and are sitting for the July 2025 Bar Exam in Pennsylvania will be considered for this position as a Law Clerk, with continued employment contingent upon passing the exam in October 2025.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Resident of Pennsylvania or will reside within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and challenging legal environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Career objective or experience in consumer protection, administrative law and policy, or public interest law.