Legal Counsel (JC-527690)

Department Information

Public Advocates Office Division/Executive Branch

The Public Advocates Office is the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Public Advocates Office's mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels, and the state’s environmental goals. The Public Advocates Office represents residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission proceedings and processes (e.g. workshops, rulemakings, investigations, utility applications, hearings, advice letters, committee and stakeholder meetings, and other forums). These proceedings and processes set rates, rules, policies, and regulations that impact ratepayers.

Please visit our website for more information at www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov.

Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

Under the supervision of the Chief or Deputy Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV represents the Public Advocates Office in its work on multi-state energy market issues, including but not limited to the transformation of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) into a Regional Organization.

Special Requirements

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.

Please number your responses in the same order as the questions are listed, 1- 3. Do not consolidate your responses.

• Describe your role, responsibilities, and experience providing legal counsel to a client, agency/department executive or management staff, or relevant stakeholder (such as a supervising attorney) on novel or complex legal matters. Include specific types of issues involved and how you achieved success.
• Describe your experience in building stakeholder coalitions, for example in developing consensus with varied stakeholders.
• Describe your knowledge of, or experience with, federal and state energy law and/or regulation, particularly regarding energy markets.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 8/17/2026

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.