Energy Consumer Advocacy Attorney

 TURN Job Announcement  05-14–20

Energy Consumer Advocacy Attorney

 

Position Summary

 

The Utility Reform Network seeks an experienced energy regulatory attorney to join our advocacy staff, with a focus on energy and climate change policy of critical importance to California’s residential and small business consumers of electric and natural gas utility services.  TURN fights for sustainable energy policies at reasonable and affordable rates.  While TURN advocates on behalf of all California consumers, we have a particular focus on fighting for policies that ensure affordable access to essential utility services for low-income households, communities of color, immigrants, and rural communities.

 

Responsibilities will include working with other TURN staff members to develop positions on emerging issues in energy policy and ratemaking, and the advocacy of those positions before the California Public Utilities Commission, the state legislature, and in other forums.  An ability to work independently is important; while TURN works collegially in the development of the organization’s positions, TURN’s advocates often have substantial autonomy with regard to preparation and presentation of those positions.  Accordingly, TURN is seeking an attorney with a minimum of three years experience in energy regulatory matters at the CPUC or an equivalent agency; additional experience would be welcome.

 

TURN is California’s consumer champion advocating for the cleanest, safest & most reliable utility and phone service at the lowest prices possible.  With support from 20,000 members statewide, TURN utilizes legal proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, policy advocacy at the state legislature, coalition building at the federal level, and grassroots mobilization in communities across the state to promote affordable utility bills, sustainable energy policies, reliable phone service, and consumer–oriented regulation of the energy, telecommunications, and water industries.

 

Areas of Responsibility

 

—    Represent residential and small business customers in multiple CPUC proceedings by drafting and filing legal pleadings, conducting legal and policy research, utilizing discovery, directing the work of expert consultants and witnesses, conducting cross-examination, lobbying decision-makers, working with other consumer and community groups, and taking other forms of legal action.

—    Participate in regular Team meetings to discuss key policy developments, forge alignment between legal, organizing, communications, and overall political strategies, and review/adjust caseload assignments.

—    Write summaries and reports for TURN website, online alerts, newsletters, and fundraising and program related materials, and analyze legislative proposals.

—    Help develop TURN media materials and respond to press queries.

—    Other legal projects and organizational building activities as assigned by supervisor.

 

Reporting and Supervision

 

The Staff Attorney reports to the Legal Director.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

1)    No less than three years of legal regulatory experience before the CPUC or a similar regulatory agency, preferably on energy issues.  Additional experience is welcome.

2)    Commitment to progressive social change and economic and racial justice and experience working in multiracial and multilingual organizations.

3)    Licensed to practice law for at least three years, and if not currently a member of the California State Bar, a willingness to become one.

4)    Demonstrated excellent analytic, written and verbal advocacy skills.

5)    Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written pleadings with minimal supervision.

6)    Ability to handle a complex and varied caseload, independently and with minimal supervision.

7)    History of, and commitment to, meeting deadlines.

 

Salary/Benefits

 

1)    Salary depending on experience.  TURN’s attorney salaries are competitive with those offered by nonprofit organizations and public interest law firms.

2)    100% employer paid premium for employee health, dental, and vision and additional benefits for all members of employee family.

3)    TURN provides generous annual leave, retirement contributions, and other benefits.

 

Application Process

 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, writing samples, and resume, indicating your experience in meeting our minimum qualifications listed above to: mtoneyturn.org. 

Position is available immediately, and open until filled.

 

The Utility Reform Network is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who will enhance our staff diversity.