Attorney Advisor (Utility Regulation)

Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia; Washington (District of Columbia, MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia is seeking a talented Attorney Advisor (Utility Regulation) to join our hybrid team in the Washington, DC area. You will research statutes, draft briefs, and analyze rate cases affecting utility consumers, working with policy and consumer services staff to advance fair, just outcomes.

This role demands strong legal research, excellent written and oral communication, and the ability to explain complex regulatory issues clearly to

Qualifications

• Law degree with utility regulation or administrative law focus.
• Experience providing legal advice to varied stakeholders.
• Strong legal research, regulatory analysis, and interpretation of technical and economic evidence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for non-specialists.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Research statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Draft legal briefs, pleadings, and advisory memoranda.
• Analyze rate cases, tariff filings, and utility service proposals.
• Provide legal advice on consumer protection and utility regulation issues.
• Participate in negotiations and settlement discussions.

Skills

Utility Regulation

Administrative Law

Legal Research

Negotiation

Written & Oral Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Company Description: The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC) is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government that advocates for consumers of natural gas, electric, water, and local telephone services. OPC represents the interests of District utility ratepayers before the DC Public Service Commission, federal regulatory agencies, and the courts. The agency is committed to protecting consumers from unfair utility practices and ensuring just and reasonable rates. OPC is also mandated to conduct consumer education and outreach, and may represent individual consumers with complaints related to their utility service and bills. Team members work in a mission-driven environment focused on equitable access to essential utility services.

Role Description: This full-time Attorney Advisor (Utility Regulation) role is a hybrid position based in the Washington, DC–Baltimore Area, with some work-from-home flexibility. The attorney advisor will provide legal analysis and representation in utility regulatory matters, including proceedings before the DC Public Service Commission and relevant federal agencies. Day-to-day responsibilities include researching statutes, regulations, and case law; drafting legal briefs, pleadings, and advisory memoranda; and analyzing rate cases, tariff filings, and utility service proposals. The role involves offering legal advice on consumer protection and utility regulation issues, participating in negotiations and settlement discussions, and collaborating with policy, technical, and consumer services staff. The attorney advisor will also support outreach and education efforts by preparing clear explanations of complex regulatory issues for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law, with experience or coursework in Utility Regulation or Administrative Law.
• Knowledge of Labor and Employment Law and related regulatory frameworks, as applicable to public agencies or utilities.
• Demonstrated ability to provide Legal Advice to varied stakeholders, including on complex regulatory and consumer protection issues.
• Advanced Research skills, including legal research, regulatory analysis, and interpretation of technical and economic evidence.
• Effective Negotiation skills for participating in settlement discussions, mediations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership (or eligibility for membership) in a state or DC bar.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-specialists.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and manage multiple matters with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Commitment to public service, consumer advocacy, and equity in access to essential utility services.