Staff Attorney, Telecom Practice

The Utility Reform Network • Oakland, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Attorney practices primarily before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and occasionally before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to advance policies that support the widespread deployment of reliable, affordable, and high-quality telecommunications services, including broadband service, especially for the digitally disenfranchised or those who otherwise face telecommunications service gaps. In addition, the Staff Attorney strives to focus on the needs of low-income households, communities of color, immigrants, tribal, and rural communities. The Staff Attorney collaborates with the Telecom Team to submit timely filings and work product, must be committed to economic and racial justice, and be a proactive and creative problem solver.

Requirements

• Excellent Communicator: Communicate effectively (written and oral) with all levels throughout the organization and the public.
• Socially Aware: Commitment to economic and racial justice.
• Technical Familiarity: Understanding of computer-based applications, including email, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams), Zoom, and Adobe.
• Active Teamwork: Demonstrates problem solving, conflict resolution, and positive communication through collaborative teamwork and independent work.
• Professionalism: Exercise sound professional judgment; maintain attention to detail and accuracy in written work; able to handle multiple assignments and deadlines concurrently.
• Legal and policy research.
• Persuasive legal writing.
• Time management.
• Problem-solving.
• Effective communication.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork skills.
• Collaboration skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Critical thinking.
• Graduate of an accredited school of law.
• 2–10 years of legal practice before the CPUC or a similar regulatory agency, preferably on telecommunications or broadband issues.
• TURN will consider applicants with more than the required experience, including any additional experience working in multiracial and multilingual organizations.
• Licensed to practice law in California or any jurisdiction within the United States.

Responsibilities

• Represent residential customers in CPUC proceedings by drafting and filing legal pleadings that promote racial and economic equity in telecommunications and broadband policy; conducting legal and policy research; utilizing discovery; assisting in directing the work of expert consultants and witnesses; appearing in administrative hearings; conducting cross-examination; advocating for TURN’s positions with decision-makers; working with other consumer and community groups; and taking other forms of legal action.
• Depending on experience, may be required to mentor more junior Telecom attorneys and policy analysts by providing legal and strategic guidance, professional development support, and/or constructive feedback on written work to support accuracy, clarity, and alignment with TURN’s mission.
• Work with the TURN Telecom Team and other TURN staff to advocate on behalf of all California consumers, focusing on creating legislative or regulatory changes to ensure affordable access to essential communications services for low-income households, communities of color, immigrant communities, and rural communities.
• Work with the TURN Telecom Team and other TURN teams to develop TURN positions and related legislative and regulatory advocacy strategies before the CPUC, the state legislature, the FCC, and other forums on emerging and fast-developing telecommunications and broadband policy issues.
• Proactively follow telecommunications and broadband policy issues related to TURN positions to bolster TURN’s understanding and refine TURN’s positions as needed.
• Write summaries and reports for the TURN website, online alerts, newsletters, and fundraising and program-related materials.
• Discuss TURN’s positions with journalists and community organizations, as assigned.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with internal staff, external stakeholders, and the public.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level