PUCT, Enforcement Attorney (Attorney I - III)

Public Utility Commission of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is seeking an attorney to perform entry-level to complex legal work in electric, telecommunications, and water utilities regulation. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting pleadings, and supporting enforcement matters before SOAH and the Commission.

Qualifications include a JD, Texas Bar licensure eligibility, and experience in regulatory law. The role offers a standard Monday–Friday schedule with potential telecommuting and a

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a JD or LLB.
• Licensed by the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice in Texas.
• Experience in utility regulation or administrative law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze legal/regulatory issues.
• Draft and review pleadings, orders, and memoranda.
• Assist with compliance and enforcement matters before SOAH and the Commission.
• Support agency advocacy in regulatory proceedings.

Skills

Legal research

Regulatory analysis

Pleadings drafting

SOAH familiarity

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Competitive Benefits Package

In addition to a positive and family-friendly work culture, the PUC offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.

For a detailed overview, please visit https://www.puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Benefits.

DIVISION - COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

About Compliance And Enforcement

The Division of Compliance and Enforcement (DICE) investigates and litigates potential violations of PURA, the Texas Water Code, the Commission's substantive and procedural rules, and ERCOT Protocols to promote adherence to customer protection requirements for consumers of electricity, water, and sewer services; maintenance of a reliable and safe electric power system; access to competitive telecommunications services; and access to and preservation of a competitive wholesale electricity market.

Looking to take the next step in your career? The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has an opportunity for a motivated professional to help advance the agency's mission and support critical work for the state of Texas.

The Compliance & Enforcement Division is seeking an Attorney, a position responsible for performing entry‑level to highly complex legal work related to electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utility regulation. Primary duties involve 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.

SALARY RANGE

Salary commensurate with qualifications. In addition to their offered salary, newly hired attorneys will receive a 6% legislatively authorized salary increase upon hire.

Min $80,004 ($7,001) $88,200 ($7,350) $99,225 ($8,269)

Max $89,250 ($7,438) $99,750 ($8,313) $115,500 ($9,625)

The Ideal Candidate Should Possess The Following 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.

Preferred 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.

WORK SCHEDULE

The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy. Approval of such requests, including any form of telecommuting, is at management's discretion and based on the business needs of the agency and the requirements of the position.

Newly hired employees are required to complete a waiting period before becoming eligible to telecommute. After thirty (30) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to one (1) day per week. After ninety (90) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to two (2) days per week. Supervisors may require new hires to report to the office more frequently if necessary to support training, performance, or business needs.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with a Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) or additional duties that fall in the fields listed in the below link who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply.

The MOS codes applicable to this position can be accessed at: Military Crosswalk for Attorney.

If you qualify for a Veteran Employment Preference, it is mandatory that you provide the required documentation with your State of Texas Application. Documentation must be provided before a Veteran Preference can be granted. Required documentation is as follows: Veteran - DD Form 214; Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who has not remarried - Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300; Orphan of a Veteran who was killed during active duty - Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300.

A detailed job description can be viewed on our website:

https://puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Jobs

Salary commensurate with qualifications. The salary of an ERS Retiree or non-contributing member may be 6% less than the recommended salary.

REMARKS

• Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Non-selection notifications will be sent to interviewed candidates following the hiring decision.
• All information provided in connection with an employment application must be accurate and complete. Any misstatement, falsification, or omission of information may result in refusal to hire or, if hired, termination.
• If the position requires it, licensure as a Professional Engineer or to practice law in Texas will be verified through the Professional Board of Engineers or the State Bar of Texas for the selected candidate.
• A satisfactory driving record is necessary for driving a state or personal vehicle for agency business. Selected candidates will have their driving records evaluated according to the Commission's Traffic Safety policy.
• For males born on or after January 1, 1960, the PUC will verify Selective Service registration through the online Selective Service System. Males born after January 1, 1960, who are not registered must provide proof of exemption from the Selective Service registration requirement.
• The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) participates in the EVerify+ system to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of the EVerify+ employment eligibility process.
• The PUCT does not have the ability to sponsor employees for work authorization and does not have a formal training program to participate in the STEM OPT extension program sponsored through U.S. Universities.
• Your application for a position with access to sensitive systems, confidential records, or information related to critical infrastructure facilities may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to Texas Government Code 411.14031 and Texas Utilities Code 12.107 after a conditional offer of employment is made. Your consent for this criminal background check will be requested following a conditional offer of employment.
• The Public Utility Regulatory Act imposes certain restrictions on PUCT employees¿ investments, professional activities, and relationships with public utilities, with some limited exceptions. PUCT employees are also prohibited from having a financial interest in a public utility, an affiliate of a public utility, and a person a significant portion of whose business consists of furnishing goods or services to public utilities or affiliates.
• The PUCT has a Post-Employment Restriction - details furnished upon request.
• The PUCT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Internal Applicant Eligibilty Requirements

• Newly hired employees must successfully complete their six-month probationary period and have a satisfactory performance review on file before becoming eligible to apply for other positions within the PUCT.
• Employees who transfer to a new position or division must remain in their new role for at least six months and have a satisfactory performance review before applying for another position within the PUCT.
• Employees are not eligible to apply for positions within their classification series in their current division. This restriction does not apply for supervisory positions within the same classification series. Advancement within a classification series in the same division occurs through the promotional process based on demonstrated performance at the high level.