INTRODUCTION

The Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission), an independent regulatory agency, is seeking a skilled and motivated attorney to join its Staff Counsel Division.
This position is at the forefront of a new area of law, focusing on the parts of the Commission’s work pertaining to the development and regulation of wind energy generating facilities. The Commission regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland, as well as gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of generating stations and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons.
In recent years, the Commission has been given expanding requirements to oversee and prioritize the development and regulation of wind energy electricity generating facilities, in particular offshore wind facilities and associated transmission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Commission welcomes applications from attorneys at the entry, intermediate, and experienced levels. Successful candidates will have relevant experience or educational background:
Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law
A candidate for a position in this classification must be a member of the Bar in any state or federal jurisdiction at the time of appointment, and if not currently a member, must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of appointment
Experience:
Staff Attorney I (Wind Program): Completed J.D. Degree and Maryland Bar membership or the ability to waive into , Internships and/or coursework and job experience in one or more relevant specialties including, but not limited to Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Energy Lae, Wind Energy Development, and Environmental Science, Satisfactory Academic Performance (Law School GPA 3.0 or above);
Staff Attorney II (Wind Program): Two years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or wind energy development
Note:
Three years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry or wind energy development company may be substituted for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group fiend of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. Mainly used for your trainee level in class series.
Four or more years practicing law before state or federal administrative agencies may be substituted for the required experience.
Candidates should submit law school transcripts. If the candidate claims other relevant educational experience, undergraduate and/or graduate school transcripts should also be submitted.
Staff Attorney III (Wind Program): Four years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or to wind energy development or regulation, or in a wind energy development company
Note:
Six years of experience practicing law in a regulated public service industry law practice or company, may be substituted for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
Eight or more years practicing law before state or federal administrative agencies may be substituted for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
The ability to analyze complex issues and communicate recommendations clearly and persuasively
A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
Sound professional judgment and a commitment to ethical public service
Experience with administrative law, regulatory law, legislative drafting, or public policy is highly desirable
Trial litigation skills

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

State law prohibits employees in this classification from engaging in certain transactions with or having interest in public service companies which may fall under the purview of the Public Service Commission, in accordance with Public Utilities Article, Title 2. Public Service Commission and People’s Counsel,Subtitle 303 Ethics-Relationship with public service company and Title 13. Prohibited Acts; Penalties, Subtitle 101 and 204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

The position may be filled with an attorney practicing at the entry, intermediate, or experienced level. Attorneys in the Staff Counsel Division provide vital legal advice and services to the technical staff of the Public Service Commission, and the person selected for this position must have or be able to develop specialized expertise on the development and regulation of wind energy electricity generating facilities, in particular offshore wind facilities and associated transmission.

POSITION DUTIES

Attorneys in the Staff Counsel Division provide vital legal representation and policy guidance. The work is fast-paced, intellectually challenging, and deeply consequential for Maryland’s economy, environment, and residents. We welcome candidates with a strong legal foundation, a commitment to public service, and an aptitude for complex and evolving regulatory issues. Join us and make a tangible difference in Maryland’s energy and utility landscape.
Core responsibilities include:
Representation of Commission technical staff in Commission proceedings, including witness preparation, cross examination and brief preparation
Participating in and sharing in Commission sponsored work groups addressing a wide range of regulatory and policy issues, in particular offshore wind development issues
Drafting and presenting proposed regulations
Review proposed legislation and developing Staff recommendations on bills affecting regulated industries
Assisting in monitoring and enforcement of Commission rules and orders
Delivering clear, effective written and oral communication on complex legal and policy matters
Working with and helping to lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals in the implementation of the Maryland Public Service Commission’s Wind Program