Utility Consumer Counselor / Attorney
About the role
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem-solving.
Role Overview
The Deputy Consumer Counselor provides skilled and professional legal representation on behalf of the ratepaying public, appearing primarily before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and, as necessary, before other regulatory bodies and state or federal courts. The role includes making case-specific strategy decisions, while agency-wide policy decisions are made only after consultation with the appropriate members of leadership. The role requires a high degree of independence, including self-motivation, discipline, and initiative, as duties are performed with minimal supervision. This position reports directly to the Chief Deputy Consumer Counselor. This role is located at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Responsibilities
- Remain current on utility regulatory practices and legislative changes impacting practices.
- Advocate and represent the interests of ratepayers in utility proceedings (trials), usually before the IURC.
- Prepare and present witnesses and exhibits in evidentiary hearings.
- Draft and edit testimony.
- Cross examine witnesses from utilities or other interested parties.
- Draft legal pleadings, trial and appellate briefs, motions and proposed orders.
- Conduct pre-trial discovery research, document collection, and evidentiary information.
- Participate in settlement negotiations.
- Work closely with technical staff assigned to case.
- Work closely with agency leadership to develop and carry out agency policies.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited institution and Law program.
- Member in good standing with the Indiana State Bar Association.
- Attorney in good standing before the Indiana Supreme Court.
- Demonstrated skills in litigation, including a thorough understanding of the applicable rules of evidence and trial procedure.
- Ability to present complex evidence to a tribunal in a clear, persuasive, and well-organized manner.
- Working knowledge of accounting, finance, economics, and engineering principles relevant to assigned matters.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and apply creative, solutions-oriented problem-solving skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to develop well-reasoned recommendations for agency leadership.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, technical consultants, and members of the public.
- Capacity to become fully conversant with Title 8 of the Indiana Code and Title 170 of the Indiana Administrative Code.
- Able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Benefits
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
- 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years.
- Education Reimbursement Program.
- Group life insurance.
- Free Parking for most positions.
- Free LinkedIn Learning access.
Pay
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $83,037 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.