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First Assistant Attorney General - State Services (PUC)
USA Jobs, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80202
First Assistant Attorney General - State Services (PUC)
Salary: $143,664.00 - $192,151.00 Annually Location: Denver, CO Job Type: Full Time The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) General Counsel Unit in the State Services Section is seeking a senior attorney to lead the Unit. Colorado is actively working towards a clean energy transition, aiming for 100% net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the Colorado PUC is at the forefront of these efforts as the state regulator of public utilities. Given this focus, the PUC General Counsel Unit offers the opportunity to practice in a cutting-edge area of law that will include complex regulatory issues as well as substantive issues regarding renewable energy, solar, wind, battery storage, and electric vehicle transportation. In addition, the Unit advises the PUC on water, transportation, telecommunications, rail and transit safety, and gas pipeline safety matters. This position is a hybrid role that involves both serving as General Counsel to the PUC Commissioners, advisors, and staff and representing the PUC in matters before state and federal court including judicial review of PUC decisions. If you are interested in helping protect Coloradans and working with a multi-disciplinary team, this position is for you! The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. The State Services Section is seeking a senior attorney to lead the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) General Counsel Unit. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and driven legal professional to guide a high-performing team working on some of Colorado's most complex and innovative regulatory issues. As the supervising attorney for the PUC General Counsel Unit, you will lead a team of attorneys providing ongoing legal counsel to the Commissioners along with their advisors and staff on a wide range of matters involving energy, transportation, rail and pipeline safety, telecommunications, and water utilities. Because of Colorado's clean energy goals, this work will involve cutting-edge legal issues related to renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, clean hydrogen and natural gas, and other critical components of Colorado's clean energy transition. In this role, you will: Lead a collaborative team of 8 attorneys and 2 professional staff consistent with the values of the DOL that recognize that members of the DOL are public servants, principled, innovative, and better together. This includes making hiring and salary recommendations, performance management activities, approval of leave requests, resolution of personnel matters, and other administrative tasks; Report to the State Services Section Deputy AG on legal, operational, and personnel matters on a regular basis and seek supervisory or managerial assistance from the Deputy; Assist the Section Deputy AG and Office Manager with personnel, budget, and various administrative duties affecting the work of the Unit, Section, and the DOL; Participate in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Office; Provide strategic legal advice and leadership on complex regulatory and administrative law matters; Oversee and manage the legal work of the Unit, ensuring consistency, quality, and clarity in legal analysis and written product across all of the Unit's regular work, which includes analyzing, exercising judgment, and providing legal advice on pleadings, filings, and testimony in adjudicated cases before the PUC; conducting cross-examination of witnesses on behalf of the Commissioners and advisors and advising the Commission Chair on conduct of hearings; providing legal guidance and drafting expertise in rulemaking proceedings; drafting and revising final written Commission decisions; and providing ad hoc legal advice, applying sound judgment, on general counsel matters as issues arise; Lead or coordinate litigation on behalf of the PUC in state and federal district and appellate courts, as well as before federal regulatory agencies; and Collaborate closely with the Commissioners' technical advisors to support sound regulatory decision-making through written briefing materials, individual meetings to discuss recommendations, presentations at Commissioners' Weekly Meetings, and drafting comprehensive written decisions. Overall, we are looking for a candidate with proven leadership and management experience, sound judgment and client management skills, exceptional communication and writing skills, and the ability to clearly and persuasively convey complex technical and legal issues to diverse audiences, mindful of overarching and diverse policy goals and other factors significant to the client. A passion for public service, commitment to excellence, and ability to lead and inspire others are essential to success in this role. Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law leadership team. As such, the strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies: Communication & Listening - Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff. Flexible & Adaptable Management - Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible. Coaching & Developing People - Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals. Creative & Strategic Problem Solving - Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises. Enterprise & Growth Mindset - Balances the goals of clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise. Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence- Demonstrates and models self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with clients, colleagues, and staff. Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General -PUC General Counsel Unit position must have the following qualifications: Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. A minimum of 7 years of general counsel, administrative, litigation, or transactional legal experience. We are seeking applicants who are excited about our work and whose diverse experiences and background would add value to the department, the unit, and our clients. And, for all of our candidates, we are interested in seeing most, if not all, of the following skills and attributes. Have significant experience in utilities law, energy law and/or administrative law. Have a demonstrated ability to effectively prepare and provide advice regarding technically complex matters for administrative or judicial hearings. Be able to work effectively with a team or independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide high level legal services to a sophisticated client. THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE. PLEASE REVIEW THE "HOW TO APPLY" SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. The PUC Unit functions on a hybrid work model. First Assistant Attorneys General are encouraged to work in the office at least 2 or 3 days per week, however alternative in-person and remote work arrangements will be considered. The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights. This position is not subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009. We Embrace Flexibility We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members - which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible. We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide
Salary: $143,664.00 - $192,151.00 Annually Location: Denver, CO Job Type: Full Time The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) General Counsel Unit in the State Services Section is seeking a senior attorney to lead the Unit. Colorado is actively working towards a clean energy transition, aiming for 100% net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the Colorado PUC is at the forefront of these efforts as the state regulator of public utilities. Given this focus, the PUC General Counsel Unit offers the opportunity to practice in a cutting-edge area of law that will include complex regulatory issues as well as substantive issues regarding renewable energy, solar, wind, battery storage, and electric vehicle transportation. In addition, the Unit advises the PUC on water, transportation, telecommunications, rail and transit safety, and gas pipeline safety matters. This position is a hybrid role that involves both serving as General Counsel to the PUC Commissioners, advisors, and staff and representing the PUC in matters before state and federal court including judicial review of PUC decisions. If you are interested in helping protect Coloradans and working with a multi-disciplinary team, this position is for you! The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. The State Services Section is seeking a senior attorney to lead the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) General Counsel Unit. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and driven legal professional to guide a high-performing team working on some of Colorado's most complex and innovative regulatory issues. As the supervising attorney for the PUC General Counsel Unit, you will lead a team of attorneys providing ongoing legal counsel to the Commissioners along with their advisors and staff on a wide range of matters involving energy, transportation, rail and pipeline safety, telecommunications, and water utilities. Because of Colorado's clean energy goals, this work will involve cutting-edge legal issues related to renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, clean hydrogen and natural gas, and other critical components of Colorado's clean energy transition. In this role, you will: Lead a collaborative team of 8 attorneys and 2 professional staff consistent with the values of the DOL that recognize that members of the DOL are public servants, principled, innovative, and better together. This includes making hiring and salary recommendations, performance management activities, approval of leave requests, resolution of personnel matters, and other administrative tasks; Report to the State Services Section Deputy AG on legal, operational, and personnel matters on a regular basis and seek supervisory or managerial assistance from the Deputy; Assist the Section Deputy AG and Office Manager with personnel, budget, and various administrative duties affecting the work of the Unit, Section, and the DOL; Participate in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Office; Provide strategic legal advice and leadership on complex regulatory and administrative law matters; Oversee and manage the legal work of the Unit, ensuring consistency, quality, and clarity in legal analysis and written product across all of the Unit's regular work, which includes analyzing, exercising judgment, and providing legal advice on pleadings, filings, and testimony in adjudicated cases before the PUC; conducting cross-examination of witnesses on behalf of the Commissioners and advisors and advising the Commission Chair on conduct of hearings; providing legal guidance and drafting expertise in rulemaking proceedings; drafting and revising final written Commission decisions; and providing ad hoc legal advice, applying sound judgment, on general counsel matters as issues arise; Lead or coordinate litigation on behalf of the PUC in state and federal district and appellate courts, as well as before federal regulatory agencies; and Collaborate closely with the Commissioners' technical advisors to support sound regulatory decision-making through written briefing materials, individual meetings to discuss recommendations, presentations at Commissioners' Weekly Meetings, and drafting comprehensive written decisions. Overall, we are looking for a candidate with proven leadership and management experience, sound judgment and client management skills, exceptional communication and writing skills, and the ability to clearly and persuasively convey complex technical and legal issues to diverse audiences, mindful of overarching and diverse policy goals and other factors significant to the client. A passion for public service, commitment to excellence, and ability to lead and inspire others are essential to success in this role. Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law leadership team. As such, the strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies: Communication & Listening - Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff. Flexible & Adaptable Management - Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible. Coaching & Developing People - Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals. Creative & Strategic Problem Solving - Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises. Enterprise & Growth Mindset - Balances the goals of clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise. Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence- Demonstrates and models self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with clients, colleagues, and staff. Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General -PUC General Counsel Unit position must have the following qualifications: Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. A minimum of 7 years of general counsel, administrative, litigation, or transactional legal experience. We are seeking applicants who are excited about our work and whose diverse experiences and background would add value to the department, the unit, and our clients. And, for all of our candidates, we are interested in seeing most, if not all, of the following skills and attributes. Have significant experience in utilities law, energy law and/or administrative law. Have a demonstrated ability to effectively prepare and provide advice regarding technically complex matters for administrative or judicial hearings. Be able to work effectively with a team or independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide high level legal services to a sophisticated client. THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE. PLEASE REVIEW THE "HOW TO APPLY" SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. The PUC Unit functions on a hybrid work model. First Assistant Attorneys General are encouraged to work in the office at least 2 or 3 days per week, however alternative in-person and remote work arrangements will be considered. The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights. This position is not subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009. We Embrace Flexibility We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members - which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible. We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide