PUC Assistant Counsel 3 Non-Supervisory

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has openings for PUC Assistant Counsel 3 (AC3) prosecutorial positions within both the Rates and Enforcement Divisions of the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E). This position represents the public interest in ratemaking and enforcement matters before PUC Administrative Law Judges, and is responsible for researching, evaluating the relative merits of legal positions, and subsequently resolving matters by settlement or litigating such matters. The well-qualified candidate will have three (3) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, with some experience in highly responsible and complex professional legal work, which provided exposure to administrative or regulatory law, and graduation from an approved school of law; or any equivalent combination of experience and training. If you are highly motivated, experienced in administrative and/or regulatory matters, and value integrity, teamwork, and trust, you are encouraged to apply!

The Assistant Counsel 3 in the Rates Division represents the public interest in ratemaking matters before PUC Administrative Law Judges. The AC3-Rates is responsible for researching, evaluating the relative merits of legal positions, and subsequently resolving matters by settlement or litigating such matters. This would include preparing interrogatories, preparing and presenting witnesses and exhibits, cross-examining witnesses, analyzing evidence, making oral arguments, and preparing and filing petitions, motions, briefs, exceptions, and other pleadings.

The Assistant Counsel 3 in the Enforcement Division conducts informal investigations, including reviewing pertinent documents, and determines the appropriate enforcement action to initiate, which can include the filing of a settlement agreement or a formal complaint. The AC3 in Enforcement is responsible for prosecuting violations of the Public Utility Code and the Code of Federal Regulations, among others, in all utility areas before PUC Administrative Law Judges and conducting all phases of litigation.

The well-qualified candidate will have three (3) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, with some experience in highly responsible and complex professional legal work which provided exposure to administrative or regulatory law and graduation from an approved school of law; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: Part-time work from home (telework) may be a potential feature of this position. The successful candidate is required to report to the headquarters worksite daily, unless the employee meets eligibility requirements and telework has been approved. Management may discontinue any telework arrangement at any time, for any reason. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  • To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements:
    • Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters; and
    • Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Please direct all questions regarding reasonable distance and the type of available telework to the PUC Human Resource Office at ra-puchr@pa.gov or 717.787.8714.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, with some experience in highly responsible and complex professional legal work which provided exposure to governmental regulatory law (republic utilities)/administrative law and graduation from an approved school of law; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; or eligibility for such certification.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.