PUCT, Attorney (Attorney I - III), Legal Division
About the role
The Legal Division represents the public interest by advocating for Commission staff in contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The division provides legal analysis, case strategy, and litigation support in matters involving electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities. In addition, the Legal Division offers legal and policy guidance to agency staff and the Commissioners, supports rulemaking and regulatory initiatives, and helps ensure the Commission's actions are legally sound and consistent with state and federal law.
Responsibilities
- Represent the Commission before the State Office of Administrative Hearing (SOAH)
- Conduct legal research and analysis
- Draft legal documents
- Cook up expert witness preparation
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited law school with LLB or JD degree and licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas
- Note: Applicants scheduled to take the Texas Bar Exam in July 2026 are eligible to apply
- A minimum of two (2) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney for Attorney II
- A minimum of three (3) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in utility regulation or administrative law for Attorney III
- Preferred qualifications include internship experience relating to electric, telecommunications, or water and sewer utilities or with a regulatory state agency, administrative law or litigation experience
Qualifications
- Attorney I: Graduation from an accredited law school with LLB or JD degree and licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas
- Selected candidates who are not yet licensed by the State Bar of Texas will be hired as a Law Clerk at a monthly salary of $5,000.00 and, upon successful passage of the Texas Bar Exam and licensure in Texas, will be promoted to an Attorney I at a monthly salary of $6,664.00
- Continued employment is contingent upon successful passage of the Texas Bar Exam and obtaining licensure with the State Bar of Texas
- Attorney II: Graduation from an accredited law school with LLB or JD degree; licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas; and a minimum of two (2) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney
- Attorney III: Graduation from an accredited law school with LLB or JD degree and licensed with the State Bar of Texas; eligible to practice law in Texas; and a minimum of three (3) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in utility regulation or administrative law
Skills
- Strong legal research and analytical skills
- Effective communication and advocacy skills
- Experience in utility regulation or administrative law
Benefits
In addition to a positive and family-friendly work culture, the PUC offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. For a Detailed Overview, Please Visit https://www.puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Benefits.
Pay
Salary commensurate with qualifications. Starting Salary: Attorney I - $77,175.00, Attorney II - $88,200.00, Attorney III - $99,216.00. Max Salary: Attorney I - $89,244.00, Attorney II - $99,744.00, Attorney III - $106,728.00. Newly hired attorneys will receive a 6% legislatively authorized salary increase upon hire.
Schedule
The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy. Approval of such requests, including any form of telecommuting, is at management's discretion and based on the business needs of the agency and the requirements of the position.
Benefits
Competitive benefits package including a positive and family-friendly work culture, comprehensive benefits, and a 6% legislatively authorized salary increase upon hire.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The PUCT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.