Enforcement Attorney - Compliance and Enforcement

Public Utility Commission of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Utility Commission of Texas seeks an attorney to handle diverse regulatory matters, from electric and telecom to water utilities. You will research, draft pleadings, orders, and memoranda, and present agency positions in contested cases before SOAH and the Commission.

You will conduct cross-examinations, perform legal analysis, contribute to rulemaking, advise staff and Commissioners, and coordinate with other divisions to develop case strategy while upholding the agency's mission and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with JD or LLB.
• Licensed by the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice in Texas.
• Attorney III requires 3+ years of licensed legal experience (utility focus preferred).

Responsibilities

• Represent the public interest by advocating agency staff positions in various contexts, including contested cases before SOAH and the Commission.
• Analyze issues related to electric power, telecommunications and water and wastewater utilities; coordinate development, preparation, and presentation of agency staff recommendations and testimony in contested cases.
• Conduct cross-examination of expert witnesses who testify on behalf of parties involved in contested cases.
• Perform legal research and analysis; identify legal issues relating to Commission projects and contested cases; and draft memoranda, position statements, and briefs.
• Participate in rulemaking proceedings as assigned.
• Prepare reports, in coordination with other divisions, as required by the Legislature or the Commission.
• Collaborate with attorneys and subject matter experts across divisions or state agencies to develop and implement case strategy and procedures.
• Respond to external inquiries and represent the Commission concerning Commission programs, electric power and telecommunications policies, and water and sewer issues.
• Advise agency staff and Commissioners on legal and policy issues related to Commission programs and regulatory matters.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Regulatory compliance

Drafting pleadings

Policy analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB

Licensed by the State Bar of Texas

Eligible to practice law in Texas

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs entry-level to highly complex legal work related to electric, telecommunications, and water and

wastewater utility regulation. Work involves researching and analyzing legal and regulatory issues; drafting and

reviewing pleadings, orders, and memoranda; assisting with compliance and enforcement matters; and

supporting agency advocacy in proceedings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the

Commission. May contribute to rulemaking and provide legal and policy advice to agency staff and the

Commissioners. Works under moderate to limited supervision with limited to considerable latitude for the use of

initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Represent the public interest by advocating agency staff positions in various contexts, including contested cases before SOAH and the Commission.
• Analyze issues related to electric power, telecommunications and water and wastewater utilities, coordinate development, preparation, and presentation of agency staff recommendations and testimony in contested cases.
• Conduct cross-examination of expert witnesses who testify on behalf of parties involved in contested cases.
• Perform legal research and analysis; identify legal issues relating to Commission projects and contested cases; and draft memoranda, position statements, and briefs.
• Participate in rulemaking proceedings as assigned.
• Prepare reports, in coordination with other divisions, as required by the Legislature or the Commission.
• Collaborate with attorneys and subject matter experts (SMEs) across divisions or state agencies to develop and implement case strategy and procedures.
• Respond to external inquiries and represent the Commission concerning Commission programs, electric power and telecommunications policies, and water and sewer issues.
• Advise agency staff and Commissioners on legal and policy issues related to Commission programs and regulatory matters.
• Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Demonstrate a spirit of teamwork, offering positive and constructive ideas, encouragement, support to other members of the staff and team, and respond professionally to constructive feedback from others, while upholding the PUC's mission and core values.
• Adhere to all PUC personnel policies and division procedures and perform other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Attorney I: Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or Juris Doctor (JD) degree; licensed by the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas.
• Attorney II: Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or Juris Doctor (JD) degree; licensed by the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas; and at least two (2) years of full-time legal work experience as a licensed attorney.
• Attorney III: Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or Juris Doctor (JD) degree; licensed by the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas; and at least three (3) years of full-time legal work experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in utility regulation or administrative law.

EFECTIVE DATE: 04/08/26PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Internship or professional experience relating to electric, telecommunications, or water and wastewater utilities, or within a regulatory state agency.
• Experience in administrative law or litigation.
• Experience drafting legal documents such as memoranda, briefs, or pleadings.
• Experience appearing before SOAH or participating in contested proceedings.