Assistant Counsel, NS-25 (Policy)

About the Role

The Assistant Counsel, NS-25, will work in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on market and policy matters arising under or relating to the Public Service Law, DPS regulations, and Public Service Commission (Commission) orders. Under the direction of a supervising attorney, you will collaborate with engineers, economists, and other expert agency staff to master technical, policy, and regulatory issues.

Responsibilities

• Maintain proficiency in applicable laws, regulations, and orders related to large-scale electric generation, associated electric storage, and electric transmission facilities.
• Research and interpret complex areas of regulatory law, Commission decisions, and business and economic policies.
• Analyze legal issues related to potential Commission actions, including applications and petitions for rate increases, tariff changes, and other utility requests.
• Provide legal advice to the Commission on behalf of the General Counsel.
• Prepare memoranda on legal issues related to Commission actions.
• Assist and review recommendations to the Commission from other offices to ensure legality.
• Appear for the Commission in federal or state administrative proceedings relating to interstate electric, natural gas, and telephone service.
• Ensure Commission processes comply with the Public Service Law, State Administrative Procedure Act, State Environmental Quality Review Act, and Public Officers Law.
• Advise other divisions on legal aspects of pending cases.
• Draft orders and other documents to effectuate Commission decisions, including consumer-protection matters.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Two years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to Bar admission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in utility services regulation or policy, litigation, consumer protection, administrative law, or investigations and enforcement.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.
• Experience in project management.
• Proficiency in working with teams and committees.

About the Department

The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) ensures safe, affordable, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for New York State customers. The Department protects the natural environment, reduces greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy resource transmission and siting, and enhances the resiliency of utility infrastructure.

Learn more about DPS and employment opportunities.

Additional Information

The primary location for this position is Albany, NY. This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class, serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Appointment is contingent upon Division of Budget approval.