Job Description and Duties
Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
Lawyers in the CPUC’s Legal Division both litigate and advise on matters as varied as:
- Just and reasonable utility rates.
- The safety, reliability, and resiliency of utility infrastructure, including cybersecurity.
- Climate change, renewable energy, and achieving California's goal of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045.
- Internet neutrality.
- Phone service quality, 9-1-1 reliability, and universal communications service.
- Safe drinking water and water conservation efforts.
- Environmental justice, equity for Disadvantaged Communities, and non-discriminatory service.
- Vehicle Electrification and Building Decarbonization.
- Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft.
- Autonomous Vehicle Companies such as Waymo and Zoox.
- Rail and transit safety.
- Environmental protection.
- Civil enforcement.
- Government law, such as the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, Public Records Act, and the Political Reform Act.
- Employment and public contracting law.
- Many other consumer protection responsibilities.
Under direction from an Assistant Chief Public Utilities Counsel or on some occasions, under case direction from senior counsel:
Attorneys are expected to handle a multitude of projects, involving either litigation, appellate or advisory assignments. Typical tasks may include: acting as staff counsel in general rate cases, investigations and enforcement, and other administrative proceedings before the Commission; directing the preparation of the case to be presented on behalf of the Commission’s staff, and serving as counsel for the staff advocating positions at public hearings in such proceedings; reviewing applications for the rehearing of Commission decisions and assessing whether legal error has been demonstrated; defending Commission decisions when appealed. In addition, incumbent may handle a variety of advisory tasks including: providing legal advice in the preparation of drafts of Commission decisions and orders; advising Commissioners, Administrative Law Judges, and staff on legal problems in connection with regulatory statutes and orders, rules, and regulations of the Commission; representing the Commission and the State before Federal and State courts and administrative agencies.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
