Assistant Staff Counsel I, II, & III

The Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission) is seeking an attorney to work in the Staff Counsel Division. The Commission regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland. The Commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of a generating station and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons.

20

Donald Schaeffer Tower 6 St, Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Staff Attorneys I, II & III represent the Public Service Commission Staff in proceedings before the Commission and provide legal advice and opinions to Staff regarding both public utilities law and general legal principles.

Review, edit, and draft Staff responses to administrative filings

Present administrative matters to Commission

Review law and educational materials, attend training

Participate in Staff meetings and meetings with parties having matters before the Commission

Draft, file, and present Transportation Appeals

Review testimony and other case management for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CPCN”) and rate cases for litigation before the Commission and its Public Utility Law Judges

Conduct discovery for both administrative matters and litigated cases

Present Staff witnesses and conduct cross-examination in administrative hearings

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

Experience:

Staff Attorney I: Completed J.D. Degree and Maryland Bar Examination, Internships and/or coursework in one or more relevant specialties including, but not limited to Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, and Environmental Science, Satisfactory Academic Performance (Law School GPA 3.0 or above).

Staff Attorney II: Two years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities.

Note:

1. Three years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry may be substituted for the required experience.

2. 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 fiend of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. Mainly used for your trainee level in class series.

3. Four or more years practicing law before state or federal administrative agencies may be substituted for the required experience.

Staff Attorney III: Four years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities.

Note:

1. Six years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry may be substituted for the required experience.

2. 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.

3. Eight or more years practicing law before state or federal administrative agencies may be substituted for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A candidate for Staff Attorney I should have skills, internships, and academic coursework that are relevant to legal practice before the Maryland Public Service Commission. These may include coursework or internships in administrative law, environmental law, and corporate law.

The ideal candidate for Staff Attorney II or Staff Attorney III should have prior experience as a practicing attorney, with litigation experience preferred. Prior experience in the public utility field, administrative enforcement proceedings, administrative law, environmental law, or corporate law is a plus. Desirable undergraduate/graduate degrees for all levels include economics, business, engineering, environmental science, English, or political science.

1. Candidates for a position in this classification must be a member of the Bar in any state or federal jurisdiction, at the time of appointment.

2. Employees in this classification must be Attorneys-at-law, who are duly admitted and enrolled to practice before the Court of Appeals of this State within 18 months of appointment.  Failure to obtain Court of Appeals admission and enrollment within 18 months of appointment will constitute grounds for termination from the position.  This requirement is set by the Public Service Commission in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 20.07.01.04.

3. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  An employee assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

State law prohibits employees in this classification from engaging in certain transactions with or having interest in public service companies which may fall under the purview of the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Public Utilities Article, Title 2. Public Service Commission and People's Counsel, Subtitle 303 Ethics-Relationship with public service company and Title 13. Prohibited Acts; Penalties, Subtitle 101 and 204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

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.

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.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
• Positions may be eligible for telework.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.