PUCT, Division Director, Legal (General Counsel V)

Agency Information

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates the state's electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities, implements legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving complaints.

About the Legal Division

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 PUCT. It provides legal analysis, case strategy, and litigation support for matters involving electric, telecommunications, and water and sewer utilities, offers legal and policy guidance to agency staff and Commissioners, supports rulemaking and regulatory initiatives, and ensures the Commission’s actions are legally sound and consistent with state and federal law.

Division Director – Legal Division

The Division Director provides strategic leadership for the Legal Division, oversees complex litigation and regulatory matters, and works closely with agency leadership and senior leaders across regulatory divisions. The Director develops managing attorneys and legal staff, establishes clear expectations and accountability, and fosters a collaborative, high‑performing legal organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction on complex legal and regulatory matters supporting the Commission’s responsibilities and policy objectives.
• Oversee complex litigation and regulatory matters, including representation in hearings, trials, and contested proceedings.
• Develop and manage attorneys and legal staff, setting performance expectations and fostering professional growth.
• Collaborate with agency leadership and senior leaders across regulatory divisions.
• Offer legal and policy guidance to agency staff and Commissioners.
• Support rulemaking and regulatory initiatives to ensure legal soundness.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal law in all Commission actions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB degree.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience practicing law in administrative law, utility regulation, or other regulatory legal matters.
• At least three (3) years of litigation experience, including legal research and analysis, preparation of pleadings and briefs, and representation in hearings, trials, or other contested proceedings.
• Experience in management and program direction, overseeing staff, operations, and complex regulatory or legal programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as lead or senior counsel in complex administrative, utility, or governmental entities in contested proceedings, hearings, trials, appeals, or judicial review.
• Experience advising executive leadership, Commissioners, governing boards, or senior officials on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing attorneys and staff in a legal or regulatory environment.

Work 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 per the PUCT Alternative Work Schedule Policy. New hires may telecommute after 30 days (up to one day per week) and after 90 days (up to two days per week) with supervisor approval. Management staff must be in the office a minimum of three days per week and may telecommute up to two days per week.

Benefits

The PUCT offers a comprehensive, family‑friendly benefits package. For a detailed overview, visit the PUCT Employee Benefits page.

Pay

Starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience within the advertised salary range. The salary of an ERS retiree or non‑contributing member may be 6 % less than the recommended salary.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with qualifying Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) codes are encouraged to apply. Required documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, marriage or birth certificates, DD Form 1300) must be submitted with the State of Texas application to receive preference.

Application Requirements

• Complete employment history (job titles, dates, employer names, supervisor contact information, and duty descriptions) demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications.
• Letter of Interest
• Resume (must not replace required employment history information)
• Applicant Release Form
• Any additional documents requested by the hiring manager