Attorney Advisor (Water Regulation)

at  Ofc of the Peoples Counsel

The Office of the People’s Counsel (“OPC” or the “Office”) is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, headed by a People’s Counsel appointed by the Mayor.
By law, it is the advocate for natural gas, electricity, water and telephone consumers and ratepayers in the District. District of Columbia law designates OPC as a party to all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia and authorizes OPC to represent DC Water ratepayers in matters before that agency as well as local and federal regulatory agencies. OPC also represents the interests of the District’s natural gas and electricity ratepayers and consumers before federal regulatory agencies, federal and state courts, Congress, the Council of the District of Columbia, and PJM Interconnection.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Possess a clear understanding of OPC’s mission and function.
• Excellent working knowledge of water-utility regulatory principles.
• Excellent knowledge of administrative law, rules of evidence, rules of civil procedure, and regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent ability to analyze and interpret complex data and to disseminate information.
• Excellent skill in persuasive oral and written communication.
• Excellent research, analytical, and evaluation skills.
• Excellent litigation skills, including skills related to discovery, motions practice, brief/pleading writing, and administrative litigation.
• Ability to recognize need for and to maintain confidentiality of OPC/DC Water documents and OPC client information.
• Ability to work with other staff in a team oriented approach.
• Ability to interpret applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Superior analytic, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make persuasive arguments to the legal community and the public.
• Possess excellent public speaking skills.
• Ability to work with all consumers and staff of government agencies, including the ability to listen and to relate to differing viewpoints.
• Knowledge of and the ability to work effectively in the community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

In consultation with management, the selectee will manage cases and matters related to proceedings involving complex, esoteric issues regarding the rates, terms, and conditions of service of DC water; analyze complex legal issues affecting questions of law and fact and render opinions on such issues; develop strategies for, and conduct in-depth, complex legal research on authorities and precedents on points of law; review and analyze opposing parties’ pleadings and other position papers on controversial and complex issues; draft detailed and complex documents; prepare and coordinate litigation including pretrial discovery, briefs, motions, technical reports and studies, cross-examination, expert testimony and oral arguments. Additionally, the selectee will engage in and coordinate litigation including pretrial discovery, briefs, motions, technical reports and studies, cross-examination, expert testimony and oral arguments; maintain familiarity with emerging water utility issues, cases, and legal developments; and provide management a weekly report of case activity.