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ATTORNEY IV

California Public Utilities Commission
Posted Aug 19
Full Time

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.


Under direction from an Assistant Chief Public Utilities Counsel:

Attorney IVs are experienced attorneys who are experts in a broad or specialized area of law and have demonstrated their ability to independently perform assignments consisting of the most complex and sensitive legal work of the Public Utilities Commission. An Attorney IV may assign, direct, and coordinate the work of a group of attorneys working in a specialized area to ensure that consistency is maintained throughout the process from staff testimony to briefs, to decision making, to defending decisions on appeal, and to translating such Commission decisions into legislative policy where appropriate.

Typical tasks may include: assignment to appellate court proceedings to defend Commission decisions which may be under appeal, litigation before the Commission and federal regulatory agencies in cases involving a high degree of importance and complexity, and providing legal analysis and advice to decision makers. Attorneys at this level independently conduct or direct administrative litigation and appear before state and federal courts and federal regulatory agencies; and advise Commissioners and staff on difficult issues involving the application of statutes and case law to the Commission’s activities.

CLICK HERE to share with the California Public Utilities Commission how you first learned about this position, this will assist us in our recruitment efforts.

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • ATTORNEY IV

Additional Documents

  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-263969
Position #(s):
Working Title:
Attorney
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV
$11,020.00 - $14,149.00

This position can be filled in the following locations: San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles.


Applicants must be members in good standing with the California State Bar.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
San Francisco County
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Legal Division:

The Legal Division is directed by statute to represent and appear for the people of the State of California, the Commission, and the Commission staff in all actions and proceedings involving any question under the Public Utilities Code or under any order or act of the Commission. We are committed to providing high quality, timely legal services to all of our clients.

Join the CPUC to Advance the Energy, Water, Communications, Transportation and Utility Safety Systems of the Future.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates various aspects (including rates, safety, nondiscriminatory access and service, environmental protection) of electric and natural gas, water, communications, and rail and other transportation services in California. The CPUC is comprised of five Commissioners, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The CPUC employs economists, engineers, administrative law judges, accountants, lawyers, and safety and transportation specialists. The Public Advocate's Office of the CPUC is an independent arm of the CPUC that represents consumers in CPUC proceedings, pursuant to statute.

Representing the People of the State of California and the CPUC, the CPUC’s Legal Division promotes and defends California’s policies of consumer protection, renewable energy and carbon-reduction goals, universal and nondiscriminatory service in communications services, the safety of customers, utility workers, the broader public, and the environment. Lawyers in the CPUC’s Legal Division both litigate and advise on matters as varied as:
  • Just and reasonable utility rates.
  • The safety, reliability, and resiliency of utility infrastructure, including cybersecurity.
  • Climate change and renewable energy.
  • Internet neutrality.
  • Phone service quality and 9-1-1 reliability.
  • Safe drinking water and water conservation efforts.
  • Environmental justice, equity for Disadvantaged Communities, and nondiscriminatory service.
  • Vehicle Electrification.
  • Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft.
  • Rail and transit safety.
  • The California High Speed Rail Project.
  • Environmental protection.
For more information on the CPUC, read our Annual Report at www.cpuc.ca.gov

Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your application. A SOQ is a narrative description of how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. The SOQ must be 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages. Writing that exceeds this page limit will not be scored.

The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. SOQs will be evaluated based on the content and writing ability, using standardized rating criteria. Competitive applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ will not be considered.

All information in the Statement is subject to verification.

Please describe, with specificity, your experience with and specific interest in public utility regulation and law and policy, or any other relevant experience you've had in public service.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, you may want to consider watching the following video from CalHR's Training Catalog: Basics of Writing a Strong Statement of Qualifications.

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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/8/2021

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Public Utilities Commission
Attn: Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco, CA 94102

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Public Utilities Commission
Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco, CA 94102
Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
(855) 663-0222
Pucjobop@cpuc.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:
Cindy Philapil
(415) 703-2201
Cindy.Philapil@cpuc.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Main Line
(415) 703-5331
EEOConcerns@cpuc.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Required and Desirable Experience/Qualifications

Required Experience/Qualifications:


Candidates must possess the ability to:
  • Successfully handle and prioritize a variety of legal projects in civil and administrative litigation.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work well with others of diverse professional and personal backgrounds.
  • Work well under pressure.

Candidates must also possess:
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to produce legal documents of a high professional caliber.
  • Ability to analyze situations correctly and recommend and execute an effective course of action.


Desirable Qualifications:


In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Familiarity with the Public Utilities Codes and related statutes and regulations.
  • Familiarity with energy, telecommunications, water, environmental, rail or transportation laws.
  • Familiarity with and/or strong background and relevant experience in regulatory laws.
  • Strong analytical and legal research skills and methods.
  • Strong civil or administrative litigation experience at any or all stages of litigation.
  • Experience reviewing, analyzing and drafting proposed legislation.
  • Ability to balance assignments and manage caseloads and several projects at once with minimal supervision.

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.

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