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CHIEF STAFF ATTORNEY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Chief Staff Counsel

Recruitment #21-005026-0001

Introduction

The Public Service Commission (PSC or 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 and gas suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of a generating station and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons. The PSC’s jurisdiction extends to taxicabs operating in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Cumberland, and Hagerstown. The categories of regulated public service companies are listed below: electric utilities; gas utilities; combination gas and electric utilities; telecommunications companies; water, and water and sewerage companies; passenger motor vehicle carriers (sedans, limousines, and buses); railroad companies; taxicab companies; and other public service companies. The Commission is empowered to hear and decide matters relating to: (1) rate adjustments; (2) applications to exercise or abandon franchises; (3) applications to modify the type or scope of service; (4) approval of issuance of securities; (5) promulgation of new rules and regulations; and (6) quality of utility and common carrier service.

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.

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority

GRADE

23

LOCATION OF POSITION

William Donald Schaefer Tower

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Chief Staff Counsel serves as the primary attorney and legal advisor for the Technical Staff of the Public Service Commission. The position oversees the operation of the Staff Counsel Division and is the supervisor of the Staff Attorneys and an administrative support position.

The role is required to devise and execute legal strategies and conduct legal research needed to develop and support Staff positions in proceedings before the Commission and to analyze and advise upon on any other legal issues assigned to the Technical Staff, including legislative analysis, federal regulatory proceedings or local zoning issues. The Chief Staff Counsel provides or directs the legal guidance provided to Staff expert witnesses and assists Technical Staff Division employees with discovery and development of testimony and comments.

This position reports to the Executive Director of the Public Service Commission. Employees may be required to travel throughout the State to attend evening and weekend hearings. On occasion, the job may require work outside of and in excess of the Commission’s operating hours. The position is an appointment and serves at the pleasure of the Commission.

POSITION DUTIES

The duties of the position include supervising Staff Attorneys I, II and III and administrative support staff in the preparation and presentation of all cases; Appearing in Commission proceedings as lead attorney;


Analyzing applications and documents filed by public service companies and other parties to identify issues, determine legal applications, strategies and necessary staff actions and recommending Commission actions; Identifying and reviewing evidence regarding issues for presentation to the Commission;


Reviewing, editing and coordinating staff witness testimony, reports and comments in order to effectively convey staff positions on issues before the Commission; 


Providing legal advice and direction to witnesses and Staff Attorneys through in-house conferences and meetings; Providing information to elected representatives as needed;


Discussing proposed case settlements with the Executive Director prior to litigation and negotiating settlements within set parameters; 


Making policy proposals and recommendations to the Commission; 


In consultation with the Executive Director, developing parameters to choose outside consultants for specific Commission cases that involve complex economic, business and engineering issues; ensuring uniform compliance with Commission and State policies and procedures, including timekeeping, training, and day-to-day operations; and Performing other related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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


Experience: Three years of experience practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or four years of experience practicing law in a state or federally regulated industry.

 

Notes: 1. An employee in this classification must have membership in the Bar of any state or federal jurisdiction at the time of appointment and must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of appointment.

 

2. The above requirements are set by the Public Service Commission in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 20.07.01.04.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three years of experience managing a legal staff.

Three years of experience working on issues related to energy regulation for a State or Federal regulatory agency, a consumer advocate, energy company, or an electric utility or gas utility.

Selection Plan

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be evaluated for this position and placed on an eligibility list for one year. The list will be used by the hiring agency to fill this position.

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

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.

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.




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