Assistant Attorney General (PUC)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) General Counsel Unit in the State Section is looking for two attorneys to join their team Colorado is recognized as a national leader in the implementation of pioneering renewable energy technology, and the Colorado PUC is at the forefront of these efforts. The PUC General Counsel Unit offers the opportunity to practice in a challenging and cutting-edge area of the law. We frequently deal with complex legal issues in the areas of renewable energy, solar, wind, battery storage, and electric vehicle transportation. The Unit supports and implements the state’s goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy that includes the implementation of clean natural gas and clean hydrogen facilities. In addition, the Unit advises the PUC on water, transportation, telecommunications, rail and transit safety, and gas pipeline safety matters. This position is a hybrid role which involves serving as General Counsel to the PUC and handling some litigation. If you are interested in helping protect Coloradans and working with a multi-disciplinary team, this position is for you!

WHO WE ARE
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer”. The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.” Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The State Services Section is seeking two attorneys to join the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) team. The Unit counsels the Commissioners of the Public Utilities Commission regarding highly complex legal issues in the areas of transportation, rail safety, telecommunications, gas, electric, steam, gas pipeline safety, and water utility issues, including implementation of some of the nation’s most cutting-edge renewable energy matters. The PUC Unit is responsible for reviewing testimony and evidence in evidentiary hearings before the PUC; conducting cross-examination of witnesses on behalf of the Commissioners and advisors; reviewing and analyzing written pleadings, motions, and petitions in matters before the PUC; analyzing and drafting proposed rules; and drafting Commission orders. The Unit closely works with Commissioners’ technical advisors and provides general counsel to PUC. The Unit handles all litigation of the PUC in appeals of its orders to state and federal district and appellate courts, as well as matters of PUC interest at the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

PUC Unit attorneys conduct legal research and provide legal advice on either an ad hoc basis or through the preparation of formal and informal legal briefs. The successful candidate will interact and communicate with a wide variety of personnel, including Commissioners, engineers, financial advisors, economists, administrative staff and outside attorneys.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in the Department of Law. The PUC Litigation unit currently seeks to hire two attorneys.

Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). The salary range for an AAG I is $83,292-$92,400/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $96,420-$120,000/annually.

• Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.

Further, while we know that no candidate is perfect, we are seeking applicants who are excited about our work and whose diverse experiences and background would add value to the department, the unit, and our clients. We welcome applications from more junior-level candidates who have strong academic backgrounds and rigorous and substantive legal training, including clerkships and fellowships.

In our ideal candidates, we are interested in seeing most of the following skills and attributes.

• Have some experience in utilities law, energy law and/or administrative law.
• Have a demonstrated ability to effectively prepare and provide advice regarding technically complex matters for administrative or judicial hearings.
• Be able to work effectively with a team or independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide high level legal services to a sophisticated client
• Be highly motivated and eager to learn
• Welcome the opportunity to be mentored from more senior attorneys in the Unit
• Have excellent research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• The PUC Unit functions on a hybrid work model. New employees are expected to work in-office 3-days a week. Additional flexibility may be considered for employees after a successful onboarding and training period.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

View the full job announcement for more information including information about compensation and benefits, and to apply online.