PUC Jobs Board

The Public Service Commission is seeking a dedicated chief legal counsel with a strong work ethic, passion for accuracy, and ability to inspire and mentor employees. This exciting career opportunity requires leading by example, always striving to make improvements, fostering teamwork, outstanding communication, and ability to shift focus as changing circumstances require. The successful candidate will join our agency of highly motivated staff who collaborate on interesting, meaningful, and critical work. Together we strive to meet our agency's goal of providing extraordinary service to the citizens of Montana.

Responsibilities:

• General Counsel to the Commission and defend or prosecute Commission decisions before state and federal district and appellate courts, and state and federal agencies. Duties include motions practice, discover, briefing, oral argument, post-judgment relief and appellate practice.
• Manage complex administrative civil contested case proceedings, rulemakings, and investigations under the Montana Rules of Evidence, Montana Administrative Procedures Act, and Title 69 of Montana Code Annotated, and Commission rules.
• Review dockets and formulate strategies; conduct legal research; draft various legal documents including discovery, notices, briefs, and orders; formulate and present oral and written recommendations to the Commission; examine expert witnesses in hearings; advise and rule on evidentiary objections during evidentiary hearings; and administer scheduling and settlement conferences.
• Advocate in Federal and State Legislative Proceedings. Appear before various state and federal bodies to represent Commission interests in rulemaking and legislative proceedings. Select duties include: provide written and oral testimony to various Montana interim and legislative session committees; assist legislative staff with bill drafting and editing; formulate and implement Commission state and federal legislative policies; monitor and report to the Commission on various legislative and administrative enactments.
• Agency Counsel. Assist with organizational change leadership, management, and administration. Work in coordination with the Agency Coordinating Team (ACT) members. Responding to and managing records requests; managing internal agency investigations; assisting with employee corrective actions, assisting with contracting and managing outside counsel; communicating with members of the local, state, and regional press.
• Reports to the Executive Director, and advises the agency through its duly authorized constituents, including the five elected Commissioners. This position directly supervises four staff attorneys and one paralegal.

Required Application Materials:
State of Montana Application. Resume, and Cover Letter.

Benefits Provided: On the first day of employment, employees and eligible dependents receive health coverage with medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions including free health care provided by the Montana Health Care Center. Wellness programs, life insurance, and retirement plan choices are offered. New employees also receive prorated 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, paid holidays including a floating holiday. Flexible schedules may be considered as work/life balance is healthy and encouraged.

The Montana Department of Public Service Regulation (DPSR) is a small state agency with a big impact. We are headed by 5 elected commissioners (the Commission) representing every region of beautiful Montana. Commonly referred to as the Public Service Commission (PSC), our agency is staffed by a team of approximately 33 professionals in the Legal, Regulatory, and Centralized Services Divisions. The PSC is responsible for supervising monopolistic industries within Montana to ensure fair prices, responsible business practices, and sustainable, reliable service for the Montana customers who rely upon them. Regulated industries currently include privately held power, water, sewer, telecommunications, sanitation, and certain commercial transportation providers. The PSC also plays a vital role in railway and pipeline safety. The agency has a clear and well-defined strategic plan to enhance our operations, work environment, and value to the public.

Employees enjoy a personable work environment with individual offices. Staff members are encouraged to cross-train with other positions, providing an opportunity for diversified professional experiences and advancement. The PSC provides ample parking in a private parking lot immediately adjacent to our ground-floor office space, and the building is conveniently located between two of Helena’s least congested thoroughfares -- making the drive, walk or ride to work quick and easy.

Four years of extensive, progressive legal expertise and management experience is required for this position, including strong legal acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex legal issues. Ability to foster a collaborative work environment and effectively manage a team of legal professionals.

This position requires a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school, admission to practice law in Montana, or State Bar of Montana admission within one year from the date of hire.

A professional background within the utility sector (electric, natural gas, telecommunications) is highly desirable, including hands-on knowledge of rate-making process.
Equivalent experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.