Attorney Advisor

The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC or Office) is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government. OPC is headed by the People’s Counsel. The People’s Counsel is the legal advocate for consumers of natural gas, electric, water, and telephone services in the District. As a matter of law, the Office is a party to all utility-related proceedings before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission (Commission) and represents the interests of District utility ratepayers before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Communications Commission, other utility regulatory bodies, and the courts. The mission of the Office of the People's Counsel is to advocate for the provision of safe and reliable quality utility service and equitable treatment at rates that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory; assist individual consumers in disputes with utility providers; provide technical assistance, education and outreach to consumers and ratepayers, community groups, and associations; and provide legislative analysis and information to the Council of the District of Columbia on matters relating to utilities. In defining its positions, the Office is further required to consider “the public safety, the economy of the District of Columbia, the conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of environmental quality, including effects on global climate change and the District’s public climate commitments.” This position is located in the Office of Peoples Counsel’s Litigation Division. The Litigation Division is responsible for litigating cases involving utility companies before the Public Service Commission, federal regulatory agencies, and the DC Court of Appeals and federal courts of appeal. The Assistant People's Counsel works under the direction of the Supervisory Trial Attorney and the Director of Litigation. The incumbent performs the full range of legal activities, including public utilities-related trial and appellate services in support of the mission and regulatory requirements of the Office. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Case Management The incumbent will provide legal and policy support on a broad range of utility regulatory matters and will manage assigned cases and proceedings involving complex issues related to the rates, terms, and conditions of service of natural gas and electric utilities. Responsibilities include addressing matters involving energy affordability, utility ratemaking, infrastructure investment and modernization, and utility‑related legislative initiatives; developing policies that advance the interests of utility consumers; and reviewing, analyzing, and responding to pleadings and other filings submitted by parties in regulatory proceedings. The incumbent will also work with technical consultants in examining and outlining the factual and legal issues, drafting discovery and discovery responses, and developing exhibits. Incumbent must maintain knowledge of emerging public utility issues, cases, and legal developments and providing the Directorate with weekly reports on case activity. Legislative and Agency Rule Review Evaluates existing and proposed local and federal legislation in terms of its impact on OPC’s policies. Drafts new or amends existing local legislation to advance OPC’s policy positions. Similar functions are performed with respect to existing and proposed local rules, regulations, or policies applicable to proceedings to which OPC is a party. Contract Management Prepares appropriate D.C. Code Ann. § 34-912 documents for the procurement of outside technical consultants. Identifies, recommends, and evaluates expert technical consultants and attorneys for participation in formal cases or investigations. Directs and coordinates the work of independent contractors and technical consultants to ensure timely implementation of OPC policy. Verifies contractor billings and works with the Technical Services Division to ensure timely payment of contractors. Interdivisional Communication Maintains ongoing dialogue and communication with supervisors, managers and staff to ensure the timely exchange of information and coordination of Office activities. Initiates, and upon request, conducts and participates in internal briefing sessions on substantive issues affecting consumers and attends inter-divisional meetings. External Communication Outreach Attends various public and community hearings before legal or legislative forums as scheduled, including evenings and weekends, throughout the District of Columbia. Disseminates utility, regulatory, and consumer information to community groups and organizations, legislators, District officials, utility companies, the Commission, and other interested and affected parties. Initiates and maintains contact with the community to solicit and identify consumer concerns and issues, particularly those that may generate litigation and/or legislative initiatives. Promotes and fosters strong, positive relationships between the Office and the community; plans and attends various community meetings and other forums throughout the District of Columbia to explain and discuss the Office's policies and positions on utility issues. Provides assistance in the development of Office publications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to LA-12 grade level of the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent that demonstrates knowledge, ability, and a proven track record with respect to utility or administrative law. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate that they meet the following: Must be a graduate of law school fully accredited by the American Bar Association. Must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment. A minimum of 5 years as a practicing attorney. In-depth knowledge of utility regulatory principles and policies, especially in the area of energy regulation. Demonstrated ability to interpret and disseminate complex technical information to both adjudicators, practitioners, and the public. Demonstrated skills in persuasive written communication and drafting legal litigation documents (e.g. pleadings, motions, regulatory comments, briefs). Demonstrated experience with an extensive range of litigation skills, including skills related to drafting and reviewing discovery; motions practice; drafting memos, briefs, and pleading; and participating in settlement discussions. Oral advocacy experience and comfort speaking in varied settings, ranging from working groups, and conferences, to hearings. Ability to communicate with all consumers and staff of government agencies, including the ability to listen and relate to differing viewpoints. Strong interpersonal and consensus-building skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues, consumers, parties, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Expertise in conducting detailed legal research and in analyzing the impact of legal issues/findings/rulings on consumers and an agency’s policy positions. Demonstrated knowledge of District and Federal laws, regulations, guidelines, principles, practices, and techniques, especially with respect to utility regulation. Experience with clean energy, energy efficiency, climate regulation, and environmental justice initiatives is a plus.

EDUCATION

Graduate of law school fully accredited by the American Bar Association.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

District of Columbia Bar or the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

The Attorney Advisor will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability prior to starting in the position.

EEO STATEMENT

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr DC Government