Attorney

State-of-Missour; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) in Missouri seeks an Associate or Senior Counsel to represent the public in utility regulatory matters. The position is based in Jefferson City at the Governor Office Building.

Salary ranges from $70,000 to $95,000 with potential years-of-service pay differential. The role requires a law degree and Missouri Bar admission; recent graduates taking the July 2026 bar exam are encouraged to apply. The OPC advocates for lower utility rates and improved services.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the Missouri Bar.
• Recent graduates who took the July 2026 bar exam are encouraged to apply.
• Membership with good standing in the Missouri Bar.

Responsibilities

• Represent and protect the interests of the public in utility hearings before the Missouri Public Service Commission.
• Investigate and research complex electric, natural gas, water, and sewer cases with expert witnesses.
• Negotiate on contested issues with public utility companies and other stakeholders.
• Litigate administrative cases including discovery, briefs, and cross-examination.
• Write appellate briefs and present oral argument to Missouri appellate courts.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Negotiation

Appellate briefs

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission in Missouri

Job description

Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the candidate selected is eligible for a years-of-service pay differential, it will be added to the total compensation. A pay differential does not raise the base pay.

This position may be filled at the Associate Counsel or Senior Counsel level.

Job Location: This position will be located at the Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Why is the work you do in this position important to Missouri?

The Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) is a state agency tasked with representing the interests of the public in matters that come before the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding public electric, gas, water, and sewer utilities. The OPC plays an important role by advocating for the Missouri public on issues such as lower utility rates and improved utility services.

• Represent and protect the interests of the public in utility hearings before the Missouri Public Service Commission, and in appeals of Commission decisions to Missouri appellate courts.
• Investigate and research complex electric, natural gas, water, and sewer cases, and work with expert witnesses in the fields of accountancy, economics, engineering, finance, and public policy.
• Provide legal analysis of case law, statutes, administrative rules, and utility tariffs.
• Negotiate on contested issues with public utility companies, regulators, environmental organizations, industrial companies, municipalities, low-income advocates, and other stakeholders.
• Litigate all aspects of administrativecases including: discovery, motions and briefs, trial and witness preparation, settlement meetings, opening statements, and witness cross-examination.
• Participate in administrative rulemakings and analyze proposed legislation.
• Write appellate briefs and present oral argument to Missouri appellate courts.
• Manage assigned cases involving all aspects of utility regulation, such as utility rates, cost of service, infrastructure, energy generation, energy efficiency, tariff changes, complaints, and more.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding public utility issues and the eminent domain process.

Graduation from an accredited law school and membership with good standing in the Missouri Bar. Recent graduates that took the July 2026 bar exam are also encouraged to apply.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, Human Resources Section at [e-mail].