Managing Attorney (Attorney V)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Perform highly complex (senior level) legal work for the Oversight and Enforcement Division of the Public Utility Commission of Texas related to electric, telecommunications, and water regulation. Primary duties involve the practice of administrative law, including, but not limited to, representing the public interest in contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the Commission providing legal and policy advice to agency staff and the Commissioners.; assigns and oversees the work of division staff. Work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Represent the public interest through advocacy of agency staff’s position in various contexts, including contested cases before SOAH and the Commission.
  • Analyze issues related to electric power, telecommunications and water and sewer utilities; coordinate the development, preparation and presentation of agency staff recommendations and testimony in contested cases.
  • Pursue administrative enforcement in assigned cases. Conduct or assist in conducting administrative hearings before SOAH and the Commission. Specifically, propound and answer discovery, present documentary and testimonial evidence, present witnesses on direct and re-direct, cross-examine witnesses presented by the opposing party, and provide briefing and argument to the assigned administrative law judge.
  • Perform legal research and analysis as necessary, or as assigned, identify legal issues relating to Commission projects and contested cases; and write memoranda, position statements or briefs evaluating the law on these topics.
  • Participate in rulemaking proceedings.
    website: www.puc.texas.gov Human Resources: (512) 936-7060

Type: Full-time
*The salary for an ERS Retiree or non-contributing member will be 9.5% less than the offered salary.

Part-time

Temporary

  • Prepare, in conjunction with other divisions as necessary, reports as required by the legislature or Commission.
  • Produce electric power, telecommunications and water and sewer utility information for the legislature.
  • Respond to external inquiries and represent the Commission concerning Commission programs, and

    telecommunications and electric power policies, and water and sewer issues.

  • Advise agency staff and Commissioners on legal and policy issues.
  • Lead a team of experts with strong knowledge of oversight and enforcement policy issues of the competitive

    electric, telephone, and water and sewer utility industries.

  • Oversee workload and progress; plan, coordinate and assign work to staff to include guidance, training and

    delegation of authority, review work prepared by staff analysts.

  • Establish goals, policies, and work plans for the Oversight and Enforcement division; develop and implement

    ways to improve the efficiency of the division.

  • Provide leadership in policy formulation related to the electric related to electricity competition and assist staff

    with developing positions in regulatory proceedings.

  • Lead division as a cohesive, focused team; ensure appropriate workload and provide adequate training

    opportunities for staff.

  • Identify issues that need to be addressed, and seek input from the Division Director.
  • Provide leadership and participate with others to resolve issues and assist with establishing Commission

    policies and procedures.

  • Provide recommendations on staffing, budget, performance, merits, and promotions.
  • Assist staff in determining the need for investigation or enforcement actions.
  • Coordinate with the other PUC divisions regarding oversight and enforcement.
  • Coordinate with Commissioners’ offices regarding oversight and enforcement policies
  • Oversee and review the workload of assigned staff in the division and supervise division staff regarding

    administrative matters.

  • Communicate with the Division Director and other senior management as appropriate regarding pending

    proceedings, projects and other issues.

  • Continue professional development in areas relevant to duties, including leadership and team building.
  • Provide recommendations on staffing, budget, performance, and promotions.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    • Graduation from an accredited law school with LLB or JD degree.
    • Licensed and eligible to practice law in Texas, and;
    • Minimum of five (5) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Experience directing program activities and overseeing the work of others. • Experience in utility regulation and administrative law.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

    • Proficiency in the use of personal computers, specifically with Microsoft Word and Excel.
    • Strong oral and written communication skills.
    • Must be able to research, analyze, and communicate well in a wide range of complex areas.
    • Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws regarding telecommunication regulation and/or electric

    regulation as well as administrative proceedings.
    • Ability to conduct hearings and to draft clear, well-founded legal opinions and briefs.
    • Ability to work effectively with other staff members.
    • Ability to articulate Oversight and Enforcement Division’s position before the Commission, SOAH, and in

    negotiations with opposing parties.
    • Ability to exercise good judgment in handling complaints, inquiries, and the public.
    • Ability to prioritize workload, work efficiently, and effectively utilize organizational skills.
    • Ability to effectively represent the public interest as an administrative law attorney.
    • Ability to understand difficult technical issues in areas such as engineering and accounting. • Ability to supervise division personnel regarding substantive and agency procedural matters.

website: www.puc.texas.gov Human Resources: (512) 936-7060

REMARKS

  • An internal applicant who is selected for a position in their current salary group with the same or new state classification title will not receive a salary increase.
  • Candidates invited to interview may be given a writing skills exercise.
  • If required for position, licensure as a Professional Engineer or to practice law in Texas will be verified on the

    selected candidate through either the Professional Board of Engineers or the State Bar of Texas.

  • Some positions may require additional work hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to meet critical

    deadlines. Employees will earn compensatory time or overtime dependent on FLSA status.

  • More than one position may be filled under this posting. Employees are required to comply with agency policies

    and provisions outlined in the employee handbook.

  • The job posting in no way states or implies that the duties listed above are exclusive. Employees are required to

    perform other duties as may be assigned.

  • A satisfactory driving record is required for driving a state or personal vehicle to conduct agency business. Selected

    candidates will have their driving record evaluated in accordance with the Commission’s Traffic Safety policy.

  • For males born on or after January 1, 1960, the PUC will verify proof of Selective Service registration through the online Selective Service System. Any males born after January 1, 1960 who are not registered will need to provide

    proof of exemption from the Selective Service registration requirement.

  • The Public Utility Commission participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA)

    and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form

    I-9 to confirm work authorization.

  • The PUC has a Post-Employment Restriction – details furnished upon request.
  • Female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
  • The PUC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,

    national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services.

  • In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the PUC will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with a disability. An individual requiring a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources

    at (512) 936-7060 or humanresources@puc.texas.gov.

website: www.puc.texas.gov Human Resources: (512) 936-7060