Full-Time Attorney

Utilities Commission

Attorney IV (NS)

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, national and international organizations to fulfill its mission to improve the economic well‑being and quality of life for all North Carolinians.

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Are you looking for meaningful public service work that will positively impact the residents of North Carolina? The NC Utilities Commission is looking for an Attorney IV. This position is assigned to the Commission’s Legal Division.

The Legal Division is currently comprised of 9 attorneys, including the General Counsel and Deputy, plus 4 paralegals, 1 legal assistant, and 5 other employees in the records management and court reporter sections.

The Attorney IV serves as a legal advisor to the members of the Utilities Commission and its professional staff. The Attorney IV is responsible for the most advanced, difficult, and important matters of legal interpretation, counsel, and litigation in the highly complex and specialized field of public utilities regulation.

They regularly advise Commission members and professional staff on matters in the Commission’s jurisdiction and in matters involving the decision‑making process in contested cases, rulemaking proceedings, and other public policy related proceedings.

Analyzing and making recommendations for Commission action on the most advanced, difficult, and complex legal issues presented in these proceedings, including general rate cases, cost recovery proceedings, rulemaking, certification, complaint, show‑cause and special investigation proceedings.

Working under minimal supervision to analyze facts, research and comprehend legal issues, and make recommendations to the Commission, either alone or with other Commission staff members such as accountants, engineers and policy analysts.

Coordinating case management timelines and the order‑writing process among various Commission staff to ensure that orders of the Commission are timely, well‑written, legally sound, and accurately reflect decisions made by the Commission.

The Attorney IV is expected to work independently, with minimal supervision from their manager. The Senior Staff Attorney is also expected to work constructively and collaboratively with commissioners and other Commission staff. They must communicate clearly and effectively on complex topics, both verbally and in writing.

When serving as a hearing examiner, the Attorney IV must preside over a legal proceeding, develop a record, make a sound decision based on law applied to the findings of facts, and draft a clearly written decision that is well‑reasoned and accurate.

This is a full‑time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits, including health insurance, as well as retirement.

The writing sample must be the applicant’s original work and should demonstrate legal analysis, clarity of written communication, and the ability to present complex information in an organized and persuasive manner. Acceptable samples include judicial decisions, administrative law decisions, legal memoranda, briefs, motions, or other comparable legal documents authored solely by the applicant. Sample submissions should be in hard copy at the interview, maintain original formatting and content, and be no more than 15 pages.

12 annual paid holidays and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave.

North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna.

Supplemental Benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental, and Vision.

NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k), and 457 savings plans.

If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and analyze the law in highly complex issues.

Demonstrated ability to provide independent legal advice and counsel.

Demonstrated ability to find creative solutions to legal issues with major ramifications.

Demonstrated ability to express highly complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear, concise, and organized manner, both oral and written.

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and four years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.

Legal Division Responsibilities (Additional)

The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.