Description

FERC is seeking attorneys to fill multiple positions in: OAL-Legal Division, OERA- Division of Investigations, OGC- Energy Markets, OGC- Energy Projects, OGC- General and Administrative Law, OGC- Solicitor’s Office, OGC- Dispute Resolution Service, and OGC- Rehearings.  

These vacancies will be at multiple experience/grade levels from the GS-12 (1 year of professional legal experience, post-bar) to the GS-15 (4 years of professional legal experience post-bar). The vacancy announcements will accept applications from Friday, August 21 through Monday, August 31. 

To preview the vacancies and apply: 

For the GS-12/13:  Attorney-Advisor

For the GS 14/15:  Attorney-Advisor

The duties will depend on the office and division/section: 

In OAL- Legal Division, attorneys serve as trial staff for the Commission and are responsible for managing litigation and settlement activities in complex energy matters. They lead or collaborate as cocounsel on case assignments to ensure the production of timely, highquality legal work that advances OAL’s positions consistent with Commission policy and governing statutes. In hearings and other proceedings, OAL attorneys conduct discovery, draft motions and briefs, examine and depose witnesses, argue procedural, evidentiary, and discovery motions, and actively participate in settlement negotiations, including multiparty discussions—to achieve just and reasonable outcomes.  

In OERA- Division of Investigations, attorneys initiate and execute investigations of possible violations of the Commission's rules, orders, and regulations relating to energy market activities and participants, while evaluating facts, analyzing legal arguments, and marshaling evidence and arguments to support conclusions and recommendations in connection with investigations. Attorneys recommend remedies to address violations and, where authorized, pursuing remedies through negotiation.

In OGC- Energy Markets, attorneys advise the Commission on complex issues relating to electric utilities and natural gas and oil pipelines, pursuant to statutes such as the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, and Interstate Commerce Act.  The section’s responsibilities include the design and operation of competitive wholesale markets, rate designs including market-based rates and cost-of-service rates, terms and conditions of service, electric reliability, and electric utility mergers and other corporate transactions.

In OGC- Energy Projects, attorneys advise the Commission on complex issues relating to proposals to develop and maintain energy infrastructure, pursuant to statutes such as the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.  Energy infrastructure under the Commission’s authority includes natural gas pipelines, natural gas storage facilities, liquified natural gas terminals, non-federal hydropower projects, and certain interstate electric transmission facilities in national interest electric transmission corridors.

In OGC- Rehearings, attorneys advise the Commission on the resolution of requests to reconsider its decisions, with the aim of ensuring that the Commission’s decisions are legally durable in advance of judicial review.  Attorneys assess and address litigation risk on complex issues arising across the full breadth of the Commission’s regulatory responsibilities.

In OGC-Solicitor’s Office, attorneys defend the Commission’s orders against challenges filed in the U.S. Courts of Appeals.  The section’s responsibilities also arise across the full breadth of the Commission’s regulatory responsibilities.

In OGC- General and Administrative Law, attorneys advise the Commission on wide-ranging issues, such as ethics, appropriations, procurement, the Sunshine Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and treatment of Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information.  Attorneys also represent the Commission in employment and labor proceedings before relevant Federal agencies.

In OGC-Dispute Resolution Service, attorneys provide expert support to help resolve complex regulatory and interpersonal disputes through alternative dispute resolution (e.g., mediation, facilitation, etc.) and customized training.  Through these efforts, attorneys proactively address conflicts, preventing costly delays, reducing litigation and time-consuming appeals, and resolving disputes that do not have a clear regulatory path.

Requirements

The basic requirements for attorney positions can be found here: Attorneys