Legal Counsel

California Public Utilities Commission; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

California Public Utilities Commission in Sacramento seeks a Legal Counsel (Attorney IV) to represent the Public Advocates Office in rate-making and multi-state energy market issues, including the CAISO transformation into a Regional Organization. The role supports essential public service goals and requires eligibility for state employment.

This permanent, full-time position offers hybrid telework, two openings, and a salary range shown in the posting, with new-hire pay rules noted.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-535293

Position #(s): 680-250-5780-001

Working Title: Legal Counsel

Classification: ATTORNEY IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A

Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR’s Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 2

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Public Advocates Office / Executive Branch: The Public Advocates Office is the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Public Advocates Office's mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels, and the state’s environmental goals. The Public Advocates Office represents residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission proceedings and processes (e.g. workshops, rulemakings, investigations, utility applications, hearings, advice letters, committee and stakeholder meetings, and other forums). These proceedings and processes set rates, rules, policies, and regulations that impact ratepayers. Please visit www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov for more information on the Public Advocates Office. Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility.

Under the supervision of the Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV represents the Public Advocates Office in its work on rate-making, as well as multi-state energy market issues, including but not limited to the transformation of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) into a Regional Organization.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Final Filing Date: 10/22/2026

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org

Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.