Introduction
Looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Interested in advocating for the interests of residential consumers who depend on electricity, gas, telephone and water services?
The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (MD OPC) is looking for an energetic, creative attorney with a strong interest in advocacy and corporate accountability to round out its team of talented and committed lawyers and advocates.
This is a Special Appointment position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.
GRADE
9990
LOCATION OF POSITION
6 St. Paul Street, Suite 2102, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
POSITION DUTIES
The statutory duty of the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) is to represent the interests of residential and non-commercial consumers of public utilities before the MD Public Service Commission (PSC), the courts, and federal, state, and local agencies. An attorney with the OPC has the responsibility of carrying out the mandates of Subtitle 2 of the Public Utilities Article of the Annotated Code of MD.
An Assistant People’s Counsel II is responsible for the identification and coordination of litigation at state regulatory agencies, including the Maryland Public Service Commission, state and federal courts, and federal regulatory agencies, primarily the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Communications Commission; serves as Counsel in complex and unique utility litigation in the aforementioned forums regarding utility issues and specifically, helps monitor the utility industry as it affects residential consumers at the direction of the People’s Counsel and Deputy People’s Counsel.
Incumbent assists the People’s Counsel and Deputy People’s Counsel in reviewing, tracking and analyzing proposed legislation. Incumbent assists in drafting of bill testimony and bill amendments. Incumbent performs other duties as assigned in relation to legislative activity at all governmental levels.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor or an equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Eighteen months experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or two years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Notes:
1. Employees in these classifications must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of appointment.
2. An Assistant People’s Counsel II must be a member of Bar of any state or federal jurisdiction at the time of appointment.
3. The above requirements are set by the Office of People’s Counsel in accordance with Article 78, Sections 14 – 15B of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
4. 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
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
1. Consumer protection and administrative litigation experience is a plus.
2. Background in or familiarity with utility regulation, economics, engineering, or accounting.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application, a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to:
Gail V. Tucker, Administrator
Office of People’s Counsel
6 St. Paul Street, Suite 2102, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
via email at gail.tucker1@maryland.gov
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
