Special Assistant People's Counsel

DESCRIPTION

The Office of People's Counsel (“OPC”) is an independent Maryland State agency that advocates for Maryland’s residential utility consumers. OPC represents the interests of residential customers of natural gas, electric, private water, and telecommunications utilities in proceedings before the Public Service Commission (“PSC”), federal regulatory agencies, and the courts. OPC works to ensure that utility service is reliable, safe, reasonably priced, and supportive of the State’s environmental and climate goals.

OPC is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as a Special Assistant People’s Counsel (SAPC). The position is a fellowship sponsored by the New York University School of Law State Energy & Environmental Impact Center (State Impact Center). The SAPC Fellow will support OPC’s statutory responsibility of protecting residential utility customers with particular attention to the agency’s mandate to “consider the…environmental interests of the State and its residents, including the State’s progress toward meeting its greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals.”

Attorney work at OPC covers a spectrum of topic areas and skill sets, including energy law, economics, environmental policy, litigation, and public utility policy. The SAPC will focus on advocating for residential utility customers in matters that may include: Electricity transmission and plant retirement planning;The future of natural gas and gas infrastructure;Clean and renewable energy, including wind energy, solar energy, and renewable energy credits; andElectric vehicles and time-of-use rates.

OPC’s work includes appearances before the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and State and federal appellate courts. We also participate in state and national-level policy initiatives regarding utility customers and new technologies—such as distributed resources, renewable generation, and electric vehicles.

The SAPC is a one-year fellowship position and is expected to be extended for at least an additional year, contingent on funding. The position’s salary is supported by the NYU School of Law. The SAPC will work out of the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel, located in Baltimore City, as a hybrid teleworker—working a schedule that includes remote and in-office time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Juris Doctor degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.• Membership in the Maryland bar (can be forthcoming)• Three years of experience in a government agency practicing law related to the regulation of public utilities or four years of experience as a practicing attorney. Candidates with significantly more legal experience are encouraged to apply.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Consumer protection and administrative litigation experience.• Background in or familiarity with utility regulation, energy policy, and/or climate science.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to Carissa Ralbovsky, Chief Operating Officer.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The successful candidates will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave. The candidate is also eligible to participate in a retirement plan. For information regarding benefits for this fellowship, please visit NYU's website at: https://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/professional-research-staff/benefits-guide2024.html. For more information regarding the fellowship program, please visit NYU's website at: https://stateimpactcenter.org/about/fellows-program/.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.