PUCT, Attorney (Attorney I - III), Legal Division

About the Role

The Legal Division of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) represents the public interest by advocating for Commission staff in contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the PUCT. The division provides legal analysis, case strategy, and litigation support for electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities, and offers legal and policy guidance to agency staff and Commissioners. The Attorney position provides legal support in contested cases, represents the Commission before SOAH, conducts legal research and analysis, drafts legal documents, and coordinates expert witness preparation.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Commission before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) in contested cases.
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utility regulation.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Develop case strategy and provide litigation support.
• Coordinate preparation of expert witnesses and related evidence.
• Provide legal and policy guidance to agency staff and Commissioners.
• Support rulemaking and regulatory initiatives to ensure actions are legally sound and consistent with state and federal law.

Minimum Qualifications

• Attorney I
  • Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
  • Licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas (applicants scheduled to take the Texas Bar Exam in July 2026 are eligible).
  • Applicants not yet licensed will be hired as a Law Clerk at $5,000/month and promoted to Attorney I at $6,664/month upon passing the Bar and obtaining licensure.
• Attorney II
  • Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
  • Licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas.
  • Minimum of two (2) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney.
• Attorney III
  • Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
  • Licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas.
  • Minimum of three (3) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in utility regulation or administrative law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship experience relating to electric, telecommunications, or water and sewer utilities or with a regulatory state agency.
• Administrative law or litigation experience.

Pay

Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Newly hired attorneys receive a legislatively authorized 6 % salary increase upon hire. Monthly salary ranges:

• Attorney I: $80,004 – $89,256
• Attorney II: $88,200 – $99,756
• Attorney III: $99,228 – $115,500

Schedule

The PUCT operates on a standard Monday‑through‑Friday schedule, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule or telecommuting in accordance with the agency’s policy; eligibility for telecommuting begins after 30–90 days of employment, subject to supervisor approval.

Benefits

The PUCT offers a comprehensive, family‑friendly benefits package. A detailed overview is available at https://www.puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Benefits.

Veteran's Preference

Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with a qualifying Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) are encouraged to apply. Documentation must be provided with the State of Texas application before preference can be granted.

• Veteran – DD Form 214
• Surviving spouse of a veteran (unmarried) – Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300
• Orphan of a veteran killed in active duty – Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300

Required Documents

• Letter of Interest
• Resume (including a complete job history as described in the notice)
• Official or unofficial law school transcripts
• Applicant Release Form

Additional Requirements

• Verification of licensure to practice law in Texas (or professional engineering licensure, if applicable).
• Satisfactory driving record for agency‑related vehicle use.
• Selective Service registration verification for males born on or after January 1, 1960.
• Employment eligibility verification through E‑Verify+; the agency cannot sponsor work authorization.
• Criminal background check as required by Texas Government Code §411.14031 and Texas Utilities Code §12.107.
• Compliance with the Public Utility Regulatory Act restrictions on investments, professional activities, and relationships with public utilities.
• Awareness of post‑employment restrictions (details provided upon request).