Assistant Counsel

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework may be available

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission (PUC) invites applications for an Assistant Counsel 1 in the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) in Harrisburg. Recent law school graduates will join a team-oriented environment to begin a career in utility law-focused litigation.

As an AC1, you will review filings, conduct legal research, develop case materials, coordinate with staff, negotiate settlements, and advocate before Administrative Law Judges.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Review filings or investigations to determine the proper response for enforcement
• Develop analyses and recommendations on legal and procedural matters
• Prepare documents, testimony, and strategies for litigation and hearings
• Work with technical or legal staff to build strong and organized case approaches
• Negotiate agreements or prepare materials for further legal action
• Present arguments, question witnesses, and support evidence before Administrative Law Judges

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

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.

These positions support the review of filings and investigations to guide legal actions within the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement. Work involves preparing research and case materials that support hearings and legal decisions. As an Assistant Counsel 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Review Actions:Examine filings or investigations to determine the proper response for enforcement
• Research Preparation:Develop analyses and recommendations on legal and procedural matters
• Case Development:Prepare documents, testimony, and strategies for litigation and hearings
• Team Coordination:Work with technical or legal staff to build strong and organized case approaches
• Settlement Work:Negotiate agreements or prepare materials for further legal action
• Hearing Advocacy:Present arguments, question witnesses, and support evidence before Administrative Law Judges

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Note: This posting will have positions available in the Rates Division and the Enforcement Division.
• 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 [e-mail] or 717.787.8714.
• SalaryIn 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.