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Utilities Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Right of Way Agent

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

... utility projects. We are looking for someone who is currently living or open to relocating to the ... Coordinate and participate in negotiations with landowners, attorneys, mortgage holders, and other ...

Right of Way Agent

Winchester, VA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

... transportation and utility projects. Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a successful ... Coordinate and participate in negotiations with landowners, attorneys, mortgage holders, and other ...

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Utilities Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$117.9K

$191.3K

How much do utilities attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for utilities attorney in Virginia is $117,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Utilities Attorney do?

A Utilities Attorney specializes in legal issues related to public utilities, such as energy, water, telecommunications, and gas. They advise companies, government agencies, or regulatory bodies on compliance with utility laws, rate cases, environmental regulations, and infrastructure projects. Their work often involves representing clients in regulatory hearings, drafting contracts, and ensuring that utility providers adhere to state and federal laws.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Utilities Attorney?

A Utilities Attorney typically handles tasks such as drafting and reviewing regulatory filings, advising on compliance issues, and representing utility clients before regulatory agencies and commissions. Daily work often involves researching evolving regulations, preparing legal arguments or comments, and collaborating with in-house counsel, engineers, or regulatory affairs teams. Utilities Attorneys may also participate in negotiations or settlements with stakeholders and attend public hearings. This role requires balancing detailed legal analysis with effective communication to support organizational interests in a dynamic, regulated environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Utilities Attorney position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utilities Attorney, you need a solid legal foundation in energy, environmental, and utility regulation law, along with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with regulatory databases, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and relevant state and federal compliance systems is highly valuable. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you effectively advocate for clients and interact with regulatory bodies. These competencies enable Utilities Attorneys to manage complex legal matters, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide strategic guidance in the utilities sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utilities Attorney jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Utilities Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Utilities Attorney jobs in Virginia? For Utilities Attorney jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utilities Attorney jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Utilities Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Utilities Attorney job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,866 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Energy Regulatory Litigation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Energy Regulatory Litigation Associate Attorney
Location: Richmond, VA
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

Direct Counsel is seeking an Energy Regulatory Litigation Associate to join the Regulatory & Compliance Practice of a leading Am Law firm in Richmond. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 2–4 years of experience in energy regulation, administrative law, or civil litigation who is interested in representing major utility clients in high-profile regulatory proceedings before state public utility commissions.

This role offers substantial client exposure, courtroom-style advocacy in administrative proceedings, and the opportunity to help shape the evolving energy regulatory landscape while working with one of the nation's premier energy practices.

Responsibilities
  • Represent electric, natural gas, water, and other regulated utility clients in administrative litigation before public service commissions.
  • Handle matters involving utility rate cases, fuel and gas cost recovery proceedings, integrated resource planning, certificate proceedings, renewable energy regulation, transmission issues, and utility acquisitions.
  • Advise clients on regulatory compliance and strategic issues affecting regulated utilities and independent power producers.
  • Support regulatory aspects of financings, acquisitions, dispositions, and development of energy and utility assets.
  • Draft briefs, motions, testimony, regulatory filings, and other advocacy materials.
  • Participate in evidentiary hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals arising from public utility commission decisions.
  • Collaborate with attorneys across regulatory, litigation, corporate, and energy practices to provide comprehensive legal solutions.
  • Develop strong client relationships while managing sophisticated regulatory matters in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
  • 2–4 years of experience in energy regulation, administrative litigation, civil litigation, or another regulatory practice.
  • Prior experience with state or federal energy regulation is preferred, though candidates with strong litigation or regulatory backgrounds and an interest in developing energy expertise are encouraged to apply.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Judicial clerkship experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to exceptional client service.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex matters while working collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Active membership in the Virginia Bar, eligibility for admission by reciprocity, or willingness to sit for the Virginia Bar within six months of joining the firm.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, including performance-based bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, and firm-sponsored wellness programs.
  • Hybrid work environment with meaningful mentorship, advanced legal technology resources, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on sophisticated energy regulatory litigation for major utility clients across multiple jurisdictions.