Position Overview
The North Dakota Public Service Commission has an opportunity to work in the highly dynamic energy field. We’re seeking an experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel and provide legal leadership and support across all PSC programs. This role is central to ensuring the Commission operates within legal parameters while addressing complex regulatory, energy policy, and utility matters.
In joining our team you will have an opportunity to collaborate with economists, scientists, engineers, and policy specialists to evaluate utility proposals affecting rates, reliability, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. You’ll also provide legal insight into regional and national energy policy, grid integrity, and utility regulation.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the Commission’s primary legal advisor on matters involving energy policy, utility regulation, and administrative law.
- Provide legal counsel to agency staff and the three elected commissioners, identifying potential legal challenges and offering proactive solutions.
- Represent the agency in administrative proceedings, civil court actions, and hearings before other regulatory bodies.
- Oversee and manage the legal division, including case assignment, strategy, and administration.
- Draft and review legal documents including briefs, orders, contracts, settlements, administrative rules, and proposed legislation.
- Lead the agency’s rulemaking and legislative processes, including testimony and response efforts during legislative sessions.
- Investigate regulatory violations and manage enforcement actions, including settlement negotiations and prosecutions.
- Advise on internal legal matters such as procurement, contracts, public records, ethics compliance, and HR-related issues.
- Engage with stakeholders including legislators, industry representatives, and the public regarding statutory and regulatory matters.
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate (JD) degree
- License to practice law in North Dakota, or eligibility to obtain licensure
- At least four years of legal experience
- Eligible for appointment as a Special Assistant Attorney General
Preferred Qualifications
- Legal experience in regulatory environments related to business or environmental issues
- Representation in administrative or judicial proceedings
- Experience drafting legal documents such as briefs, orders, contracts, legislation, and testimony
- Experience with litigation processes including witness examination and oral arguments
- Administrative rulemaking and legislative experience
- Leadership and supervision of legal staff
- Familiarity with utility, energy, or environmental regulatory issues
- Knowledge of state government legal processes (open records, ethics, procurement, HR, budgeting)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
North Dakota Public Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer.
