STAFF ATTORNEY III, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

State of Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State employee benefits

Job summary

State of Maryland seeks skilled attorneys to join the Staff Counsel Division of the Maryland Public Service Commission in Baltimore, MD. You will represent the Technical Staff in proceedings, draft regulations, and advise on regulatory policy affecting utilities and public services.

The role blends law, economics, and public policy to support just and reasonable rates and environmental stewardship. Ideal candidates will have a JD and experience in regulated public utilities, with strong

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience: Two years of government agency experience practicing law related to public utilities regulation.
• Notes: substitutions allowed for equivalent experience as detailed in the job posting.

Responsibilities

• Represent Technical Staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation and drafting pleadings.
• Participate in Commission-sponsored work groups on regulatory and policy issues.
• Draft proposed regulations and review legislation affecting regulated industries.
• Develop Staff recommendations on bills and enforce compliance with Commission rules.
• Provide clear written and oral communications on complex legal matters.
• Advise the Commission’s technical staff regarding proceedings and activities.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Analytical thinking

Collaborative skills

Judgment & ethics

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), an independent regulatory agency, is seeking skilled and motivated attorneys to join its Staff Counsel Division. We oversee Maryland’s public utilities (electric, gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications) and certain passenger transportation services. This is a unique and meaningful opportunity to practice law in service of the public interest. You will directly contribute to the Commission’s mission of ensuring just and reasonable rates, safe and reliable utility service, and environmental stewardship. The PSC plays a central role in shaping the future of energy and utility regulation. We balance reliability, fair rates, consumer protection, and decarbonization goals in an ever-evolving policy and technological landscape. As a PSC Staff Attorney, you will work on critical matters at the intersection of law, economics, engineering, and public policy. Your work will help to ensure that essential services are safe, equitable, and responsive to emerging challenges such as:

• Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, and more)


• Grid modernization


• Distributed energy resources


• Electrification


• Climate resiliency


• Supply constraints and rising costs

Attorneys in the Staff Counsel Division provide vital legal representation and policy guidance. The work is fast-paced, intellectually challenging, and deeply consequential for Maryland’s economy, environment, and residents. We welcome candidates with a strong legal foundation, a commitment to public service, and an aptitude for complex and evolving regulatory issues. Join us and make a tangible difference in the future of Maryland’s energy and utility landscape.

GRADE

STD0021

LOCATION OF POSITION

6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

Staff Attorneys in the Counsel Division provide a full range of legal services to the Commission’s Technical Staff (comprised of engineers, economists, analysts, and other specialists). Your core responsibilities will include:

• Representing Technical Staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross‑examination, and drafting pleadings and briefs.


• Participating in Commission-sponsored work groups addressing a wide range of regulatory and policy issues (e.g., electric vehicle infrastructure, offshore wind development, utility cybersecurity).


• Drafting and presenting proposed regulations.


• Reviewing legislation and developing Staff recommendations on bills affecting regulated industries.


• Assisting in monitoring and enforcing compliance with Commission rules and orders.


• Delivering clear, effective written and oral communications on complex legal and policy matters.


• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Commission’s technical staff regarding Commission proceedings and activities.

Assignments will vary depending on your experience, but all attorneys are expected to manage matters that have a meaningful impact on Maryland’s economy, environment, and consumers. The PSC is committed to professional development and offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the agency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Note:

1. Candidates may substitute three years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry for the required experience.


2. Candidates may substitute four 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.


• The ability to analyze complex issues and communicate recommendations clearly and persuasively.


• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively as part of interdisciplinary teams.


• Sound professional judgment and a commitment to ethical public service.


• Experience with administrative law, regulatory law, legislative drafting, or public policy is highly desirable, though not required.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for a position in this classification must be a member of the Bar in any state or federal jurisdiction, at the time of appointment.


2. 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.


3. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. An employee 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.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS