Legal Counsel

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

Job summary

California Public Utilities Commission seeks a Legal Counsel (Attorney IV) in the Public Advocates Office, offering permanent full-time status with hybrid telework from San Francisco. The role advances ratepayer advocacy and regulatory matters, reporting to the Chief Counsel and handling complex rate-making and multi-state issues.

The position requires senior legal expertise in public utility regulation and a commitment to serving California ratepayers with integrity and leadership.

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 work place. 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-535228

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.

# of Positions

2

Work Location

San Francisco 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. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in‑person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.

Join the Public Advocates Office, a leading voice for utility consumers.

Apply your leadership skills to promote utility safety and protect Californians. Help advocate to ensure that electric, gas and water customers receive safe and reliable service.

We are looking for candidates with the initiative and desire to make a difference advocating for the interests of California ratepayers. Please join our team!

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.

Special Requirements

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11‑point Arial font, single‑spaced, and no more than two pages.

Please write your SOQ to address the following three questions:

• Describe your role, responsibilities, and experience providing organizational, strategic, and substantive advice and assistance to a client, agency/department executive or management staff, or relevant stakeholder(s) on novel or complex matters both in and outside of the litigation context. Include specific types of issues involved and how you achieved success.
• Describe your training and experience building stakeholder coalitions, for example in developing consensus with varied stakeholders. State how and if leading via mediation, arbitration, or alternative dispute resolution helped build consensus.
• Describe your training and experience working with grassroots, community‑based, under‑resourced and contentious groups. What strategies did you employ and what successes/failures did you have? Did you conduct consensus building, training, convening, planning, facilitating, or other organizational activities as part of this experience?

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

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.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Final Filing Date: 10/22/2026