Cc Admv Law Judge

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is one of the most unique state agencies in Arizona and one of only 13 public utility commissions in the country where commissioners are elected. Established by the Arizona Constitution, the ACC is a medium-sized agency with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. Our mission is diverse—spanning utility rate making; securities registration and enforcement; rail and pipeline safety; and corporate business filings—and we boast an average employment tenure of nearly 10 years. The Hearing Division presides over administrative hearings, procedural conferences, and rulemaking oral proceedings concerning complex utility and securities matters, and writes Recommended Opinions and Orders for the Commissioners' consideration at Open Meetings. The Hearing Division also includes Docket Control, responsible for the Commission’s filings and record-keeping.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor degree
Litigation or administrative hearing experience
An Arizona license to practice law in good standing (attorney licensed and in good standing in other state may be considered if qualified and willing to become licensed in Arizona)
A background in engineering, economics, finance, accounting, or administrative law
Extensive knowledge of the complex state and federal regulatory concepts related to regulation of different kinds of utilities (electric, gas, telephone, water, and sewer) and/or of securities in Arizona
A full understanding of constitutional due process as related to administrative hearings
Knowledge of and experience interpreting evidentiary and procedural rules
Exceptional interpersonal communication skills to conduct hearings, public comment meetings, and other proceedings
Excellent legal reasoning, research, and writing skills and great attention to detail
An ability to reduce complex legal and technical arguments and issues into language easily understood by a layperson, and to write concise, organized, and legally sufficient Recommended Opinions and Orders that will withstand appeal
Skills to perform online legal research using Westlaw
Competent work with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams
Competent work with or a willingness and ability to learn to work competently with Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and WebEx
A work ethic that demonstrates self-motivation, reliability, dedication, productivity, cooperation, integrity, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, accountability, adaptability, and professionalism
A temperament and demeanor that demonstrates and results in unbiased and ethical decision making, with sufficient confidence in your own abilities and the patience necessary to maintain composure and control over the hearing during contentious proceedings
Successful completion of a background/reference check and confirmation of any degrees/certifications
Disclosure of any interests in regulated entities and divestment of prohibited interests
Successful completion of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)

Nice To Haves

Utility or securities regulatory experience is highly desirable
Prior experience presiding over formal administrative hearings and writing decisions

Responsibilities

Conduct formal, on-the-record, administrative hearings and draft Recommended Opinions and Orders based upon an independent review of the evidence and law.
Be responsible for all procedural aspects of your assigned cases, including scheduling hearings and other proceedings, and compliance with the Commission’s “timeclock” rules and other deadlines.
Interpret and implement the Arizona Corporation Commission’s authority set forth in Article 15, Section 3 of the Arizona Constitution, statutory authority, and rules.
May be involved in writing and promulgating administrative rules for the Commission in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Arizona Administrative Procedure Act and the Commission’s rulemaking policies.
Present and defend recommendations in Open Meeting.
Prepare Procedural Orders for your cases, involving both substantive and non-substantive issues.

Benefits

Excellent comprehensive benefits
Top-ranked retirement plan
Low-cost health coverage
Supplemental policies such as vision and short-term disability
Generous paid vacation and sick leave programs
Career and personal development support
Multiple training and education opportunities and resources
Qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer
Interesting, challenging work in a public sector environment with the chance to make a real difference in our state
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
Paid Parental Leave program