Full Time Utilities Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on "How to apply".
For this classification, applicants with disabilities may gain eligibility through the Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP), an alternative to the standard testing process. Click here to open the examination bulletin. Applicants may choose to apply through either the Standard or LEAP process.
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager - standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
Lawyers in the CPUC's Legal Division both litigate and advise on matters as varied as:

• Just and reasonable utility rates
• The safety, reliability, and resiliency of utility infrastructure, including cybersecurity
• Climate change, renewable energy, and achieving California's goal of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045
• Internet neutrality
• Phone service quality, 9-1-1 reliability, and universal communications service
• Safe drinking water and water conservation efforts
• Environmental justice, equity for Disadvantaged Communities, and non-discriminatory service
• Vehicle Electrification and Building Decarbonization
• Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft
• Autonomous Vehicle Companies such as Waymo and Zoox
• Rail and transit safety
• Environmental protection
• Civil enforcement
• Government law, such as the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, Public Records Act, and the Political Reform Act
• Employment and public contracting law
• Many other consumer protection responsibilities

Under direction from an Assistant Chief Public Utilities Counsel or on some occasions, under case direction from senior counsel:
Attorneys are expected to handle a multitude of projects, involving either litigation, appellate or advisory assignments. Typical tasks may include: acting as staff counsel in general rate cases, investigations and enforcement, and other administrative proceedings before the Commission; directing the preparation of the case to be presented on behalf of the Commission's staff, and serving as counsel for the staff advocating positions at public hearings in such proceedings; reviewing applications for the rehearing of Commission decisions and assessing whether legal error has been demonstrated; defending Commission decisions when appealed. In addition, incumbent may handle a variety of advisory tasks including: providing legal advice in the preparation of drafts of Commission decisions and orders; advising Commissioners, Administrative Law Judges, and staff on legal problems in connection with regulatory statutes and orders, rules, and regulations of the Commission; representing the Commission and the State before Federal and State courts and administrative agencies.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This is a statewide recruitment. These positions can be filled in the following locations: San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles.
This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528793
Position #(s):
680-301-5778-XXX
Working Title:
Attorney
Classification:
ATTORNEY $7,506.00 - $9,439.00
Effective July 1, 2025 , CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR's Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Legal Division/ Legal :
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) State Bar of California License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

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 three pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following three questions:

Describe, with specificity, your experience with and specific interest in public utility regulation.

Describe, with specificity, your experience with and specific interest in law and policy.

Describe, with specificity, your relevant experience in public service.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.
It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov
Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/17/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Attn: Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco , CA 94102
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco , CA 94102
Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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 - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see "Special Requirements" for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Familiarity with the Public Utilities Code and related statutes and regulations.
• Familiarity with energy, telecommunications, water, environmental, rail or transportation law.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing and drafting proposed legislation.
• Familiarity with and/or strong background and relevant experience in regulatory laws.
• Strong analytical and inter-personal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, comfort and familiarity with personal computers and popular office software packages, and extensive knowledge of legal research methods.
• Ability to balance assignments and manage caseloads and several project at once with minimal supervision.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and perform under pressure.

Benefits
Benefits Summary
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Talent Acquisition Unit
(916) 597-5683
cpucrecruiter@cpuc.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Cindy Philapil
(415) 703-2201
cindy.philapil@cpuc.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 894-5799
ReasonableAccommodation@cpuc.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.