Assistant Attorney General- Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate Unit

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) Unit is responsible for representing the public interest and specifically the interests of residential, small commercial, and agricultural consumers in gas, electric and telecommunications proceedings, as well as in rulemaking proceedings before the PUC. The Unit occasionally appears in state courts of appeal generally addressing decisions issued by the PUC. The UCA Unit currently is comprised of five attorneys and a legal assistant. This AAG will have the opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team of rate/financial analysts and economists in the UCA to handle all aspects of preparing for and presenting consumer positions on cases before the PUC.

Requirements

Qualified applicants must 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.
Litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, motions and legal briefs, written discovery requests and responses; and conducting cross examination and redirect examination of lay and/or expert witnesses
Experience conducting hearings before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission or utility commissions in other jurisdictions
Outstanding communication and effective negotiation skills
Knowledge of public utility regulation by the PUC and of the role of the UCA
Knowledge of the state’s decarbonization goals
THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE.

Nice To Haves

Eagerness and enthusiasm for the work and for working together as a team
Undergraduate degrees relating to business, public policy, economics, financial analysis, environmental issues, renewable energy, and/or electric, gas and telecommunications utility engineering

Responsibilities

Represent the UCA in contested proceedings and other matters before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission involving electric and natural gas utilities.
Independently manage assigned matters through all phases of administrative litigation, including developing case strategy, identifying legal and factual issues, evaluating utility filings, and determining appropriate legal and procedural actions.
Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, written discovery requests and responses, and other legal filings.
Prepare and present written pre-filed direct, answer, and cross-answer testimony in coordination with UCA experts and other members of the multidisciplinary case team.
Prepare witnesses for hearing and conduct direct examination and cross-examination before the PUC.
Participate in settlement negotiations, evaluate proposed settlement terms, and advise the client regarding legal risks, litigation strategy, and potential outcomes.
Prepare post-hearing briefs and other filings and address procedural and substantive matters arising after hearings.
Represent the UCA, as assigned, in appeals or other judicial proceedings involving decisions of the PUC.
Provide legal advice and counsel to the UCA regarding public utility regulation, administrative law, statutory requirements, PUC rules and proceedings, and other legal matters affecting utility consumers.
Analyze complex legal, regulatory, economic, and policy issues involving utility rates, affordability, reliability, utility investments, and other matters affecting electric and natural gas consumers.
Conduct legal research and interpret statutes, regulations, PUC decisions, court decisions, and other legal authorities to develop and support the UCA's positions.
Advise the UCA on legal and regulatory strategies while considering its statutory responsibility to represent the public interest and the interests of residential, small commercial, and agricultural consumers, including consideration of Colorado's decarbonization goals, environmental justice, and workforce transitions.
Identify legal risks, emerging regulatory issues, and potential impacts of utility proposals on consumers and advise the client regarding appropriate courses of action.
Represent the UCA in PUC rulemaking proceedings and advocate for rules and regulatory policies that advance the interests of utility consumers and the public interest.
Analyze proposed and existing PUC rules and draft proposed rules, amendments, comments, and other rulemaking submissions.
Review and analyze pending legislation affecting public utilities, utility regulation, and consumers and advise the UCA regarding potential legal, regulatory, and consumer impacts.
Monitor developments in utility law, administrative law, energy policy, and related regulatory matters to identify emerging issues affecting the UCA and Colorado utility consumers.
Work collaboratively with UCA rate and financial analysts, economists, engineers, consultants, and other subject matter experts to evaluate utility proposals, develop evidentiary records, and formulate legal and regulatory positions.
Translate complex legal, technical, financial, and regulatory information into clear and persuasive written and oral advocacy.
Coordinate with UCA leadership and other stakeholders regarding proceedings and issues affecting utility consumers.
Assist with outreach and educational efforts regarding the role of the UCA and issues affecting residential, small commercial, and agricultural utility consumers.
Perform other legal duties and special projects consistent with the responsibilities of the UCA Unit and the Consumer Protection Section.

Benefits

Competitive medical, dental and vision health plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Paid holidays
Retirement plans with Colorado PERA
Vacation and sick leave earned each month
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Free access to an on-site fitness center
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.