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Senior Utilities Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SMECO

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Hughesville, MD · On-site

$175K - $245K/yr

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has an immediate opening for a Senior Attorney. The ... Previous progressive experience in an electric utility or similar business or an agency regulating ...

Public Utilities Commission

Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$7.5K - $9.4K/mo

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 ...

New York ISO

Attorney I

Rensselaer, NY

This Attorney will also assist the Senior Compliance Attorney with issues related to the NYISO ... Confer with colleagues with specialty in areas of law and NYISO market design, electric utility ...

Bloom Energy

Senior Regulatory Attorney

$223K - $322K/yr

... utilities, and other critical infrastructure customers around the world. Our mission is to make ... We are looking for a Senior Regulatory Attorney to join our team in one of today's most exciting ...

MyFlorida

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 61000040

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 61000040 Pay Plan: SES Position Number: 61000040 Salary: $60,015 - $85,000 ... In doing so, the FPSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in one or more of three key ...

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Senior Utilities Attorney information

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$52K

$136.1K

$213.5K

How much do senior utilities attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior utilities attorney in the United States is $136,143.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $161,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior utilities attorney?

Senior Utilities Attorneys are experienced legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations governing public utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications. They advise utility companies, government agencies, or consumer groups on compliance, regulatory issues, and litigation. Their work often involves representing clients before regulatory commissions, drafting legal documents, negotiating contracts, and providing counsel on energy policy and infrastructure projects. Senior Utilities Attorneys typically have deep expertise in both administrative law and the specific industries they serve.

What are some common challenges faced by a senior utilities attorney in handling regulatory compliance matters?

As a Senior Utilities Attorney, one of the main challenges is navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of federal and state utility regulations. This often involves interpreting new legislation, responding to regulatory inquiries, and ensuring that the company’s actions align with legal requirements. Senior attorneys must also balance the interests of the utility, regulators, and the public, which can require sophisticated negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with engineers, policy experts, and business leaders to provide legal counsel on operational decisions and strategic initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior utilities attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Utilities Attorney, you need deep expertise in utility law, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active bar membership. Familiarity with regulatory filings, legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and relevant industry regulations such as FERC or state utility commissions is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships set top performers apart. These skills ensure effective legal guidance, risk mitigation, and successful navigation of the highly regulated and evolving utilities sector.

What is the difference between Senior Utilities Attorney vs Utilities Attorney?

AspectSenior Utilities AttorneyUtilities Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, experience in utility lawJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, utility companies, government agenciesLaw firms, utility companies, regulatory agencies
ResponsibilitiesLeading legal strategies, complex negotiations, mentoring juniorsLegal research, drafting, assisting in negotiations

The main difference between a Senior Utilities Attorney and a Utilities Attorney lies in experience and responsibilities. Senior Utilities Attorneys typically have more years of experience, handle complex legal matters, and mentor junior staff, whereas Utilities Attorneys focus on supporting legal tasks and gaining experience in utility law.

What cities are hiring for Senior Utilities Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Utilities Attorney job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Utilities Attorney jobs?

The most popular types of Utilities Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Utilities Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Utilities Attorney jobs include:

Senior Utilities Attorney jobs near you

Senior Associate Attorney Energy & Utilities (Sacramento or San Francisco)

NACBA

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$185 - $215/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Senior Associate Attorney – Energy & Utilities (Sacramento or San Francisco)

Downey Brand, one of California’s leading law firms in water, environmental, energy, and natural resources law, is seeking a talented senior associate attorney with 5 to 8 years of experience to join our Natural Resources Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven attorney who thrives in complex, high-stakes matters and wants to work on cutting-edge legal issues in both the public and private sectors.

About the Role

As a key member of our team, you will play an integral role in representing a diverse range of clients statewide on energy regulatory proceedings, energy-related contracts, energy project permitting and development, and other environmental matters. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Representing clients in a wide array of regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, on energy, communications, water, and transportation issues such as regulated utility ratemaking, regulatory compliance, energy market design policy and mechanics, procurement obligations for reliability and renewable resources, purchase and sale of utility assets, wildfire safety and mitigation, and other cutting‑edge topics.
  • Representing clients in matters before the California Energy Commission, the California Independent System Operator, the Office of Energy Infrastructure and Safety, and the California Air Resources Board.
  • Negotiating a broad spectrum of energy‑related contracts, including power purchase agreements and interconnection agreements.
  • Advising developers of generation, storage, and transmission projects.
  • Identifying and anticipating developments involving complex utilities regulations and changed regulatory requirements.
What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal and communication skills, a keen analytical mindset, and a meticulous eye for detail. We are seeking someone who is a self‑starter, eager to take on client‑facing responsibilities, and ready to contribute to challenging and impactful work. A track record of success in energy and utilities law, along with a distinguished academic record, exceptional research, and writing skills, are essential. Experience in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission is a valuable attribute. Must be a current, active member of the California State Bar.

Compensation & Benefits

We recognize the importance of investing in our team members’ professional development. You’ll receive robust mentorship, hands‑on training, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative and dynamic environment. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity:

  • Sacramento: $185,000 – $215,000
  • San Francisco: $223,000 – $246,000

We are open to candidates outside the Sacramento and San Francisco areas and offer a relocation bonus to help with the transition. The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package. At Downey Brand, we understand the importance of a balanced professional and personal life. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well‑being.

Why Downey Brand?

Joining Downey Brand means becoming part of a dynamic and highly respected firm with one of the largest Natural Resources practices in the state. Our attorneys counsel clients on critical compliance strategies and regularly handle some of the most complex disputes in the west. You will have the opportunity to work with top professionals in the field, gain exposure to a wide variety of legal matters, and contribute to shaping the future of environmental law – in an environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All inquiries will be kept confidential. Please, no telephone calls.

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