Assistant Counsel NS-25 (Rates & Utilities)

About the role

The Assistant Counsel, NS-25, will work in the Rates and Utilities Section of the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The Department of Public Service (DPS) ensures 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. DPS also oversees the siting of clean, renewable, and distributed energy generation and transmission resources. This role involves engaging in cutting-edge legal, consumer protection, technological, financial, and compliance issues to advance the public interest for New Yorkers.

Responsibilities

• Analyze applications, petitions, and responsive comments/documents from utilities and stakeholders; research the law; draft or review orders for Commission action regarding utility rate increases, tariff changes, gas system planning, and related matters.
• Process, analyze, and report to the Commission on petitions for rehearing or reconsideration of its determinations.
• Lead staff preparation and presentations in Commission proceedings, including hearings, negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Analyze issues, conduct legal research, develop case strategy, draft and edit discovery requests/responses, edit written testimony, prepare and conduct cross-examination of witnesses in evidentiary hearings, and draft post-hearing briefs and settlement statements.
• Conduct research and prepare memoranda on legal issues related to Commission actions, including consumer protection matters.
• Draft revisions to regulations in Title 16 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations.
• Advise other offices on legal aspects of pending cases as needed.
• Ensure Commission processes comply with the Public Service Law, State Administrative Procedure Act, State Environmental Quality Review Act, Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and Public Officers Law.
• Assist the public in understanding and participating in Commission processes.
• Deliver clear oral advocacy and well-written, supported, and organized work product.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar and two years of post-admission legal practice experience.
• Precision and careful attention to detail.
• Strong communication, analytical, research, and writing skills.

This is an exempt jurisdictional class position located in Albany, NY, with at least 5% travel. Appointment is contingent upon Division of Budget approval.