Assistant Counsel NS-25 (Rates & Utilities)

Description The Assistant Counsel, NS-25, will work in the Rates and Utilities Section of the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Under the direction of managing attorneys, duties include, but are not limited to: Analyzing applications and petitions, and responsive comments and documents from utilities and interested stakeholders, researching the law, and drafting or reviewing orders for Public Service Commission (Commission) action regarding utility requests for rate increases, tariff changes, gas system planning, and other matters. Processing, analyzing, and reporting to the Commission on petitions for rehearing or reconsideration of its determinations. Leading staff preparation and presentations in Commission proceedings set for hearings, negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution. Analyzing issues, conducting legal research, developing case strategy, drafting and editing discovery requests and responses, editing written testimony, preparing and conducting cross‑examination of witnesses in evidentiary hearings before administrative law judges, and drafting post‑hearing briefs and statements regarding proposed settlements. Conducting research and preparing memoranda on legal issues related to actions of the Commission including, without limitation, consumer protection matters. Drafting revisions to regulations contained in Title 16 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations. Advising other offices, as needed, on legal aspects of pending cases. Ensuring that all Commission processes are carried out in conformance with the requirements of the Public Service Law, the State Administrative Procedure Act, the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and the Public Officers Law. Assisting the public in understanding and being involved in Commission processes. Performing all tasks with clear oral advocacy and well written, supported, and organized work product. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Admission to the New York State Bar and two years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to Bar admission. Candidates should demonstrate precision and careful attention to detail, and have strong communication, analytical, research, and writing skills. About The Department The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) seeks to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York residential and commercial consumers, while protecting the environment. Consistent with this mission, the Department also oversees the siting of clean, renewable, and distributed energy generation and transmission resources to benefit New Yorkers. The Department is seeking energetic, litigation‑oriented attorneys who are proactive self‑stators that will engage in cutting‑edge legal, consumer protection, technological, financial, and compliance issues and play a key role in advancing the public interest for New Yorkers. DPS attorneys work in a collegial environment with ample opportunity to improve skills through training, supervision, and mentoring. Remarks Salary will be commensurate with experience. The primary location for this position is Albany, NY, with at least 5% travel. This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. As such, the incumbent of this position would serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Appointment to this position is contingent upon Division of Budget approval. Equal Opportunity Employer The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at #J-18808-Ljbffr New York State Department of Public Service