Introduction
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), an independent regulatory agency, is seeking
skilled and motivated attorneys to join its Staff Counsel Division as Deputy Staff Counsel. The PSC
oversees Maryland’s public utilities (electric, gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications) and
certain passenger transportation services.
This is a unique and meaningful opportunity to practice law in service of the public interest. You will
directly contribute to the Commission’s mission of ensuring just and reasonable rates, safe and
reliable utility service, and environmental stewardship.
The PSC plays a central role in shaping the future of energy and utility regulation. We balance
reliability, fair rates, consumer protection, and decarbonization goals in an ever-evolving policy and
technological landscape. As a PSC Deputy Staff Counsel, you will work on critical matters at the
intersection of law, economics, engineering, and public policy. Your work will help to ensure that
essential services are safe, equitable, and responsive to emerging challenges such as:
Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, and more)
Grid modernization
Distributed energy resources
Electrification
Climate resiliency
Supply constraints and rising costs
Attorneys in the Staff Counsel Division provide vital legal representation and policy guidance. The
work is fast-paced, intellectually challenging, and deeply consequential for Maryland’s economy,
environment, and residents. We welcome candidates with a strong legal foundation, a commitment
to public service, and an aptitude for complex and evolving regulatory issues. Join us and make a
tangible difference in the future of Maryland’s energy and utility landscape.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting
employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual
candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.
GRADE
22
LOCATION OF POSITION
William Donald Schaefer Tower 16th Floor, 6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Deputy Staff Counsel serves as a senior attorney and legal advisor for the Technical Staff of the Public Service Commission. The position helps oversee the operation of the Staff Counsel Division and assists in the supervision of the Staff Attorneys. The role is required to help devise and execute legal strategies or conduct legal research needed to support Staff positions in proceedings before the Commission and to analyze and advise upon on any other legal issues assigned to the Technical Staff, including legislative analysis, federal regulatory proceedings or local zoning issues. The Deputy Staff Counsel provides legal guidance provided to Staff expert witnesses and assists Technical Staff Division employees with discovery and development of testimony and comments.
This position reports to the Chief Staff Counsel of the Public Service Commission. Employees may be required to travel throughout the State to attend evening and weekend hearings. On occasion, the job may require work outside of and in excess of the Commission’s operating hours. The position is an appointment and serves at the pleasure of the Commission.
POSITION DUTIES
Staff Attorneys in the Staff Counsel Division provide a full range of legal services to the Commission’s Technical Staff (comprised of engineers, economists, analysts, and other specialists). Your core responsibilities will include:
• Representing Technical Staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross-examination, and drafting pleadings and briefs.
• Participating in Commission-sponsored work groups addressing a wide range of regulatory and policy issues (e.g., electric vehicle infrastructure, offshore wind development, utility cybersecurity).
• Drafting and presenting proposed regulations.
• Reviewing legislation and developing Staff recommendations on bills affecting regulated industries.
• Assisting in monitoring and enforcing compliance with Commission rules and orders.
• Delivering clear, effective written and oral communications on complex legal and policy matters.
The duties of the Deputy Staff Counsel position include both supervising Staff Attorneys I, II and III and administrative support staff in the preparation and presentation of all cases and appearing in Commission proceedings as lead attorney or co-counsel. You will also perform duties of the Chief Staff Counsel in their absence.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Four years of experience practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or
five years of experience practicing law in a state or federally regulated industry or ten plus years
of general legal practice focused on trial litigation and/or administrative law.
Notes: 1. An employee in this classification must be a member of the Maryland Bar, or if a
member of the Bar in another state or federal jurisdiction at the time of appointment, must
become a member of the Maryland Bar as soon as possible upon accepting employment with
the PSC.
2. The above requirements are set by the Public Service Commission in accordance with Code
of Maryland Regulation 20.07.01.04.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing legal staff
- Three years of experience working on issues related to energy regulation for a State or Federal
regulatory agency, a consumer advocate, energy company, or an electric utility or gas utility
- Significant experience addressing climate change issues and/or fair labor standards enforcement
- Strong litigation skills and experience
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet
the qualifications for this recruitment. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the
equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must
accompany the application. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the
closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Only candidates who meet
the minimum requirements will be evaluated for this position and placed on an eligibility list for one
year. The list will be used by the hiring agency to fill this position.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you maymail a paper application to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Suite 608, Baltimore, MD 21201.
In addition to filling out the standard Maryland State job application form, applicants should include the following documents with their application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter (including a statement of interest explaining why you are drawn to this position)
3. Writing Sample
4. List of three professional references
Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please call 410-767-1697.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
