Consumer Affairs Counsel I, II, or III Staff Attorney Series, Public Service Commission

State of Maryland; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at the Maryland Public Service Commission as a Consumer Affairs Attorney, where your legal expertise will directly impact consumer protection and utility regulation. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in administrative litigation, conduct investigations, and draft policy positions that shape the future of Maryland's utilities. You will work in a collaborative environment in the heart of Baltimore with a hybrid work schedule, allowing for a balance between professional and personal life. If you are passionate about public service and have a Juris Doctorate degree, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental and vision plans

Personal leave

Annual leave

Sick leave

Paid parental leave

Pension

Telework eligibility

Qualifications

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience in public utility regulation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent CAD in Commission proceedings and prepare witnesses.
• Conduct legal research and advise CAD team on compliance.

Skills

Administrative litigation

Investigation

Drafting testimony

Policy positions

Outreach

Excellent communication skills

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Salesforce

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission) is seeking an attorney to work in the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD). The Commission regulates Maryland utilities, including gas, electric, and telephone carriers, as well as for-profit water and sewage disposal companies. The Commission also has the authority to license gas and electric suppliers, adopt complaint procedures, and establish consumer protection standards regarding supplier services. CAD is the Commission’s dispute resolution office that answers utility customer questions and investigates utility service complaints. CAD is responsible for the enforcement of the Commission’s statutes, regulations, and orders governing regulated entities. We seek qualified candidates skilled in administrative litigation, investigation, drafting testimony and policy positions, and outreach in support of CAD’s priorities.

Our Work Environment:

• Downtown Baltimore/Inner Harbor area
• Transit-friendly location near the Metro (Charles Center), Light Rail (Baltimore Arena), and numerous bus stops
• Hybrid work schedule
• Smart casual dress code
• Collaborative team environment

GRADE

Consumer Affairs Attorney I, 19
Consumer Affairs Attorney II, 20
Consumer Affairs Attorney III, 21

LOCATION OF POSITION

William Donald Schaeffer Tower
6 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The position may be filled with an attorney practicing at the entry, intermediate, or experienced level, who can provide legal services to the Consumer Affairs Division staff of the Public Service Commission, focused on determining whether regulated utilities and third-party energy suppliers are operating in compliance with Maryland laws and regulations.

POSITION DUTIES

1. Representation of CAD in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross examination, drafting of pleadings and briefs.
2. Participating and sharing in Commission sponsored workgroups.
3. Development and presentation of regulations.
4. Conducting legal research and analysis on relevant topics, including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions to counsel and advise CAD team and refine CAD’s public policy positions.
5. Drafting of reports and other materials related to consumer affairs, compliance, and education/training.
6. Demonstrating excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
7. Maintaining a positive, professional relationship with representatives of regulated utilities, the Commission, elected officials, agencies, and other stakeholders.
8. Communicating effectively and professionally with the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Staff Attorney I
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: None.
Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. Mainly used for the entry level in class series.

Staff Attorney II
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: One year of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities.
Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute two years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute three years of experience as a practicing Attorney for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. Mainly used for your trainee level in class series.

Staff Attorney III
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Two years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities.
Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute three years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. Mainly used for the entry level in class series.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience in public-facing roles
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as experience working with Salesforce (or other CRM or case management software)
Prior experience in the energy sector, public utility field, administrative enforcement proceedings, public policy, or consumer protection.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees in this classification must be Attorneys-at-law, who are duly admitted and enrolled to practice before the Court of Appeals of this State within 18 months of appointment. Failure to obtain Court of Appeals admission and enrollment within 18 months of appointment will constitute grounds for termination from the position. This requirement is set by the Public Service Commission in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 20.07.01.04.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

State law prohibits employees in this classification from engaging in certain transactions with or having interest in public service companies which may fall under the purview of the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Public Utilities Article, Title 2. Public Service Commission and People's Counsel, Subtitle 303 Ethics-Relationship with public service company and Title 13. Prohibited Acts; Penalties, Subtitle 101 and 204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date). Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year. Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year. Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year. Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension. Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at [e-mail] or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.