Legal Counsel

Salary range: $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per month. Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours. Salary ranges exclude this temporary reduction. New hires will start at the minimum salary of the classification.

About the role

The Public Advocates Office is the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Our mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels, and the state’s environmental goals. We represent residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission proceedings and processes (e.g., workshops, rulemakings, investigations, utility applications, hearings, advice letters, committee and stakeholder meetings, and other forums) that set rates, rules, policies, and regulations impacting ratepayers.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief or Deputy Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV will:

• Represent the Public Advocates Office in multi-state energy market issues, including the transformation of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) into a Regional Organization.
• Provide legal counsel on novel or complex legal matters to clients, agency executives, management staff, or stakeholders.
• Build stakeholder coalitions and develop consensus among varied stakeholders.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification for Attorney IV. Required application documents include:

• A completed State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).
• A resume.
• A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) addressing the following (no more than two pages, 11-point Arial font, single-spaced):
• Your role, responsibilities, and experience providing legal counsel on novel or complex legal matters, including specific issues and outcomes.
• Your experience building stakeholder coalitions and developing consensus.
• Your knowledge of or experience with federal and state energy law and/or regulation, particularly regarding energy markets.

If using education to meet minimum qualifications, submit a transcript or diploma. Foreign degrees must be verified for U.S. equivalency by the application deadline.

Schedule

• Permanent, full-time position.
• Hybrid telework arrangement.
• Work location: Sacramento County.