Assistant Attorney General- Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate Unit

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system.
Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

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. In representing the public interest, the UCA Unit also gives due consideration of the state’s decarbonization goals, environmental justice and workforce transitions. 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) Unit, you will represent the public interest and advocate for the interests of residential, small commercial, and agricultural utility consumers in electric, natural gas and telecommunications matters before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). You will work closely with attorneys and a multidisciplinary team of rate and financial analysts, economists, engineers, and other subject matter experts to develop and advocate for consumer positions in complex utility proceedings.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

Public Utility Litigation and Regulatory Advocacy

• 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.

Legal Analysis and Client Counseling

• 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.

Rulemaking, Legislative, and Policy Matters

• 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.

Collaboration and Consumer Outreach

• 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the Consumer Protection section at the Department of Law.

Salary note: The Department of Law uses an attorney compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). The salary range for an AAG I is $89,964-$119,047/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The salary range for an AAG II is $102,099 - $136,468/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
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. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.

The ideal candidates will have some, or all, of the following skills and attributes:

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

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• 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. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar, please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the on-line applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the on-line application.

Required Application Materials: Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and their relevant experience; 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility

We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!

We Have Strong Core Values

Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.

We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys

We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical, dental and vision health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
• 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.

ADAAA Requests

The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at hr@coag.gov.

For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities at our office, please contact our Legal Talent Director at legaltalentdirector@coag.gov.