Senior Attorney - Energy/Utilities

Senior Attorney Job Announcement

Full Time

The Protect Our Communities Foundation (PCF) is looking for a Senior Attorney to join a small 501(c)(3) organization established in 2009. PCF’s mission is to maximize clean, local, affordable, and equitable energy solutions through education, community engagement, and legal action. We believe that the most affordable solutions for ratepayers are solutions that mitigate climate change impacts and otherwise protect the environment.

The Senior Attorney will represent the interests of San Diego and Southern California residential utility ratepayers in regulatory, administrative, and judicial proceedings, working as part of a small team of attorneys, experts, and advocates active before the Public Utilities Commission and other state and local agencies, in the courts, and in the community.

This full-time position is located in San Diego, California, with a flexible hybrid remote/in-office work schedule.

Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represent PCF in proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission, other public agencies, and in the courts;
• Act as primary attorney in assigned regulatory proceedings, with a focus on ratepayer affordability;
• Perform a full range of tasks, including conducting factual investigations, financial analysis, and legal research, writing memorandums, comments, motions, briefs, etc., and oral advocacy;
• Represent PCF in meetings with allies and engage in local community organizing around specific issues such as affordable utility rates, rooftop solar, public power, and San Diego’s clean energy future;
• Advise on, monitor, and implement PCF’s compliance with federal, state, and local rules;
• Work with Legal & Executive Director to prepare, track, and update project budgets;
• Prepare and track intervenor compensation notices, claims, applications, awards, and trends;
• Hire and supervise law students who may work at PCF as interns or clerks;
• Perform other legal duties and assignments as needed; and
• Assist with organizational operations and administrative tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• License to practice law and active member in good standing of the State Bar of California, or of the bar of another U.S. state with willingness and ability to obtain license in California;
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience: regulatory, litigation, finance, public utility, environmental, government/public agency, and/or other relevant legal advocacy experience;
• Excellent research, writing, oral advocacy, and analytical skills;
• Ability to manage multiple proceedings and tasks and meet deadlines;
• Exercise professional judgment, integrity, respect, and professionalism;
• Ability to work effectively independently, as part of a collaborative team, in coalitions, and with technical experts and other external contacts;
• Willingness to travel as needed for appearances, presentations, and coalition building;
• Strong work ethic and initiative;
• Strong desire to support PCF’s mission;
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills; and
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer applications, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in public utility regulation;
• Background in accounting or finance;
• Experience in environmental law and climate change advocacy;
• Passionate about the environment and renewable energy;
• Familiarity with California Public Utilities Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

To Apply: Please provide (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) writing sample, and (4) three professional references.

Salary: $130,000 - $150,000, depending on experience. As a 501(c)(3) organization, PCF is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, regular position subject to a six month introductory period. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

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The Protect Our Communities Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values diversity in all forms and is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of any legally protected class under California and federal law.

This is a benefits eligible position.