Senior Attorney / Assistant Attorney 1-3 (NY HELPS) - Vacancy ID# 225844

Description Duties Description The Senior Attorney duties in the Office of General Counsel will include but are not limited to the following:

Position 1 – Division of Local Government & the Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure:

Duties The Department of State, Office of General Counsel has an exciting opportunity to hire a senior attorney to work with the Division of Local Government Services and the Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure to assist with developing and maintaining strong, sustainable and resilient local governments that are effective in their relationships with the federal and state governments, and effective and efficient in how they operate and address the concerns of their residents, visitors, businessowners and others. The duties of a senior attorney would include, but not be limited to:

• Providing legal advice, technical assistance and guidance to the Division of Local Government Services staff, government officials and others on a range of local government topics including but not limited to municipal law, land use planning and zoning law, municipal home rule authority, environmental law, water law, election law, historic preservation, municipal finance, energy sustainability law, aviation and drone authority, sharing economy adaptation, procurement, artificial intelligence, economic development, and telecommunications.
• Traveling the State to provide technical and legal training to local government officials and their employees on discharging their duties and responsibilities in accordance with law.
• Providing legal advice and assistance to Office of Planning, Development, and Community Infrastructure staff, municipal officials and consultants on a broad range of topics involving environmental regulation, energy law, and water law.
• Assisting in the preparation of legally enforceable waterfront revitalization plans to be submitted by local governments to the Secretary of State for approval and inclusion in the State Coastal Management Program pursuant to Executive Law, Article 42.
• Developing training materials and publications for use by local government officials and their advisors, members of the public, and others.
• Drafting legislation and commenting on legislative proposals.

Position 2 - Utility Intervention Unit The NYS Department of State is seeking a highly motivated consumer protection attorney with a background or interest in energy law and administrative litigation to assist the Utility Intervention Unit (UIU) in representing the interests of consumers in utility rate and policy cases and other regulatory proceedings before the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), and other forums with jurisdiction over New York public utilities. The attorney will advocate on behalf of UIU for reliable utility service at the lowest reasonable cost, with a particular emphasis on the interests of residential and small business customers. The attorney will serve in the General Counsel’s office as counsel to UIU and will report to the UIU Lead Counsel. Candidates should have a broad knowledge of the law and policy issues related to the telecommunications, water, electric, and natural gas industries, and climate change goals of New York State, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Responsibilities include:

• Draft legal memoranda, briefs, petitions, motions, and comments, and other pleadings, advocating UIU’s positions in rate, policy, and other proceedings.
• Manage and conduct discovery, including drafting and responding to information requests and interrogatories, participate in confidential settlement negotiations and evidentiary and administrative hearings (including witness preparation and direct and cross-examination), and assist experts in preparation and filing of testimony.
• Represent and advocate for UIU’s position in meetings and collaborative proceedings.
• Monitor and provide analysis and recommendations on proposed legislation, regulations, and Commission orders.
• Assist in preparation of vendor contracting for expert services and oversee consultant work product.
• Analyze utility tariff filings, testimony, and other regulatory submissions.
• Work closely with subject matter experts in economics, accounting, and rate design.
• Manage a portfolio of active matter…