Attorney office of consumer affairs

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA), an independent office within the Wyoming Public Service Commission, advocates for the interests of utility ratepayers and citizens in proceedings involving public utilities. This position serves as counsel to the OCA, providing legal representation in administrative, judicial, and legislative proceedings. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with federal and state law, managing contested case proceedings, preparing and presenting OCA witnesses, cross-examining opposing witnesses, drafting and filing legal pleadings, and presenting oral arguments. This position also coordinates the work of OCA technical staff and consultants, engages in settlement negotiations, and advises on legislative and rulemaking matters affecting utility regulation.

Human Resource Contact: Serenity Moffett / 307-777-6243 / [email protected]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Serve as lead counsel in contested utility cases before the Wyoming Public Service Commission, including presenting the OCA’s public interest position through oral and written testimony, legal arguments, cross-examination of witnesses, and post-hearing briefs.
• Act as case manager for assigned proceedings, ensuring timely preparation and filing of all legal pleadings, testimony, briefs, and procedural documents.
• Coordinate and advise OCA analysts and consultants in developing testimony and exhibits.
• Files interrogatories, discovery requests, and deposes opposing witnesses in contested proceedings.
• Analyze testimony and exhibits submitted by utilities and other parties, preparing cross-examination questions to clarify and test contested issues.
• Engage in settlement negotiations, evaluating legal, precedential, and policy implications to ensure outcomes are consistent with the public interest.
• Represent the OCA in state and federal courts, federal regulatory agencies, and other tribunals in matters involving appeals of Commission decisions and other proceedings affecting Wyoming ratepayers.
• Prepare and present legal briefs, petitions, motions, and oral arguments in support of the OCA’s position.
• Provide legal and policy advice to the OCA on proposed Commission rules, legislation, and policies, including drafting comments, proposed rules, and legislation.
• Represent the OCA in Commission rulemaking hearings, legislative committee hearings, and other public forums.
• Analyze and interpret proposed rules and policies issued by federal and state agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Federal Communications Commission, and prepare written comments representing the OCA’s position.

PREFERENCES:

Demonstrated experience in utility law, administrative law, and rate case proceedings preferred.
Administrative hearing experience preferred.
Member in good standing of the Wyoming State Bar or ability to obtain membership within six months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to exercise independent judgment
• Exceptional legal writing and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical experts and other attorneys.
• Capacity to manage multiple complex cases within strict deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Juris Doctorate.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc.
• Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• Moderate travel

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt

023-Public Service Commission-Office of Consumer Advocate

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

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The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.