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Posted: 26-May-23
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Salary: $82,000 – $110,000
Salary Details:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 366.019
Attorney - Utilities
Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $82,000 – $110,000
Starting Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
The State Corporation Commission’s (“Commission” or “SCC”) Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) seeks a staff attorney to join its Utilities practice. Staff attorneys in OGC perform a wide range of legal activities and work very closely with internal clients (staff in the utilities divisions of the SCC). This attorney will represent and provide counsel to the Commission’s Divisions of Public Utility Regulation, Utility Accounting and Finance, and/or Utility and Railroad Safety. On behalf of the above-referenced utilities divisions, the attorney selected for this position will: conduct formal proceedings before the Commission as staff counsel; research questions of law and interpret rulings; provide oral and written legal advice as requested; and prepare draft Commission orders, opinions, regulations, administrative procedures, memoranda, and correspondence. This position offers the opportunity to have significant responsibility over projects and complex matters, whether working independently or in a team-based environment with other attorneys in the Utilities practice and with staff in the Commission’s utilities divisions. This position includes direct contact and collaboration with senior staff in the utilities divisions and other divisions within the SCC, as well as communications with external stakeholders. The attorney selected for this position may assist the utilities divisions with legislative matters, including drafting, reviewing, and providing advice on proposed legislation. Additionally, this attorney may have the opportunity to participate with utilities staff in activities before the federal regulatory agencies and in cooperation with staff of regional alliances of utility commissions, such as the Organization of PJM States and the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. This position offers a hybrid work schedule (generally 3 days of telework, 2 days in office each week) as well as training and professional development opportunities.
A cover letter outlining relevant qualifications, experience, and interest for this specific position should be submitted at the time of application.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications for this position include some experience in utility, regulatory, and/or administrative law. At a minimum, candidates must have graduated from an accredited law school and i) be a member of the Virginia State Bar, ii) be eligible for membership by motion, or (iii) successfully pass the next available bar examination.
Ideal candidates for this position will have the ability to: make oral presentations in adversarial proceedings; research questions of law and interpret rulings; draft legal memoranda, pleadings, and motions; and perform complex legal tasks while meeting deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of legal teams representing divisional clients are essential for success in this role. Any experience with public utilities or knowledge of Virginia statutory authority and administrative law pertinent to areas of Commission regulation is a plus.
SCC Information
Located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, the SCC is a state agency with regulatory authority over many business and economic interests in Virginia. More information about the SCC may be found on our website: www.scc.virginia.gov.
The SCC offers its employees rewarding, impactful work; flexible telework options and work-life balance; and professional development opportunities. The SCC fosters a high-performing workforce with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and alignment with the SCC’s mission and strategic goals. Core benefits provided to SCC employees include competitive health and life insurance programs, pre-tax spending accounts, leave programs, and paid holidays. Employees participate in a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. The state funds a short and long-term disability program.
The SCC regulates various companies and industries in Virginia; therefore, to avoid any conflict, employees are required to sign a Conflict of Interest Form and must dispose of any stock they hold in a regulated company or dispose of any licenses or certificates they hold in any industry regulated by the SCC unless otherwise permitted. Employees also shall report employment of household members by a regulated company.
The SCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Military veterans and national service alumni are encouraged to apply. The SCC uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization and does not provide sponsorship. If requested, the SCC will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and interview process. A background investigation is conducted on the selected candidate as a condition of employment.
The information you submit must clearly demonstrate your experience and qualifications as they relate to this position. Interview consideration is based on the information submitted online.
This position will be classified in the SCC’s Salary Structure as a Grade P-13, P-14, or P-15 depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate, and will be exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
How to Apply
This position will remain open until filled; however, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by June 14, 2023.
Qualified internal and external candidates are encouraged to apply. If you are an external candidate, apply on the SCC’s Career Center website at https://careercenter.scc.virginia.gov. If you are an internal candidate, apply using eSCC (Oracle) - iRecruitment Employee Candidate.