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PROGRAM MANAGER IV

Deputy Counsel

Recruitment #22-005479-0012

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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 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. 

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

William Donald Schaefer Tower

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Deputy Staff Counsel serves as a Senior Attorney and Legal Advisor for the Technical Staff of the Public Service Commission. The position helps oversee the operation of the Staff Counsel Division and assists in the supervision of the Staff Attorneys.  The role is required to help devise and execute legal strategies or conduct legal research needed to 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 Deputy Staff Counsel provides 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 Chief Staff Counsel  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.

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

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 or co-counsel; 
  • 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 during and prior to litigation, and negotiating settlements within set parameters; 
  • Making policy proposals and recommendations to the Commission; 
  • In consultation with the Executive Director and Chief Staff Counsel, 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; 
  • Assisting with the assignment of work to Staff Attorneys; 
  • Performing duties of the Chief Staff Counsel in their absence; 
  • 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

1. Experience managing a legal staff.
2. 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.
3. Significant experience addressing climate change issues and/or fair labor standards enforcement.

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 placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The evaluation may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

M

BENEFITS

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 St., Suite 608, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please call 410-767-1697.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

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.



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