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PSC CHIEF COUNSEL

The Public Service Commission (PSC) Chief Counsel is responsible for preparing case strategy, serving as an expert litigator before federal courts and agencies, and serving as the Commission's chief legal advisor regarding all utility issues. This position is governed by federal and state law and agency policy.

Class Code:

G006N

Job Grade:

GS14

Special Job Requirements:

In and out-of-state travel may be required.

Typical Functions:

Directs and supervises expert federal litigation team, including other Commission attorneys and professional consultants, before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, other federal agencies, and in all federal courts, in utility cases having economic impact on the utility ratepayers of Arkansas. Initiates technical discussions with utility personnel, consultants, other state and federal regulatory commission staff, and other parties addressing analytical concepts and contested issues. Drafts and develops reports, legal pleadings, motions, responses, complaints, comments, briefs, stipulation and settlement agreements, and other written documents, and provides legal advice and support in the preparation and development of testimony and exhibits. Conducts federal litigation by participating in federal hearings and appeals through legal preparation work, witness preparation, depositions, settlement discussions, opening statements, direct examination, cross examination, objections, closing arguments, and oral arguments. Researches, analyzes, interprets, and evaluates policies, legal precedent, issues, and information and recommends course of action to meet agency objectives. Evaluates all information provided in support of a filing by a utility or other party, researches specific regulatory policy and precedent, and evaluates the relative merits of alternative courses of action, identifying strengths and weaknesses of each. Maintains and shares technical knowledge of current federal, state, and Commission utility regulatory issues, policies, statutes, legislation, and procedures. Responds to inquiries from the media, government officials, utilities, and the public about regulatory law issues and Commission business. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Knowledge of state and federal utility and regulatory law, regulations and precedents. Knowledge of emerging economic, technological, legislative, judicial, and regulatory issues and trends affecting the utility industry. Knowledge of legal research techniques, including use of Westlaw and other internet research tools. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of others. Ability to prepare and/or present oral and written communications. Ability to work with regulatory staff from other states, federal regulatory staff, utility executives, consultants, and other interested parties. Ability to conduct litigation as lead counsel at federal agencies and in courts. Ability to provide information, instruction, and technical guidance related to legal aspects of accounting, financial, and economic concepts, regulations, standards of practice, and issue development.

Minimum Qualifications:

Licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201. The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus six years of experience in trial work and utility regulatory law, including five years of supervisory experience. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Required Certificates:

None

Exempt:

E
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