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ASSISTANT PEOPLE’S COUNSEL I

Recruitment #23-009020-0001

Introduction

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel seeks a creative, energetic attorney to join it in advocating, amid climate change, for the economic and environmental interests of the State’s residential consumers of public utility services such as electricity and natural gas.

This is a contractual position that serves at the pleasure of People's Counsel Appointing Authority

GRADE

OPC 0001

LOCATION OF POSITION

6 St. Paul Street, Suite 2102, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

POSITION DUTIES

Attorneys work includes energy law, economics, and environmental policy, developing policy positions as well as litigating public utility matters. We work to hold utilities accountable for their performance and to ensure Maryland consumers are protected against unjust and unreasonable rate increases for services, while also advocating for policies that further the State’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our work includes appearances before the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Our work includes appearances before the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and State and federal appellate courts, as well as testimony before legislative committees. We also participate in state and national-level policy initiatives regarding consumer issues and incorporation of new technologies — including distributed resources, renewable generation, and electric vehicles — onto the electric grid.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Juris Doctor degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: None.

Notes:

1. Employees in this classification must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of appointment.

2. The above requirements are set by the Office of People’s Counsel in accordance with the Public Utilities Article, Public Services and Utilities, Title 2 Public Service Commission and People's Counsel, Section 203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

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 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.  Admission to the Maryland Bar.

2.  Consumer protection and administrative litigation experience is a plus. 

3.  Background in or familiarity with utility regulation, economics, engineering, or accounting will enhance the application.

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

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to:

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street  Room 608

Baltimore, Maryland  21201

#23-009020-0001

State of Maryland application must be submitted thru JobAps and 

Candidates should also submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to Lori Sears, Office of People’s Counsel, 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 2102, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, via email at lori.sears@maryland.gov.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

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




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