This is a FULL-TIME, TEMPORARY 17-MONTH, GRANT-FUNDED, IN-PERSON POSITION. The individual in this role will not represent the University of Pittsburgh in a legal capacity or serve as an attorney for the institution nor will they perform any litigation duties in this position or for the University of Pittsburgh.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an attorney experienced in public utility law to collaborate on a research project focused on electricity governance. The Legal Clinic Consultant (LCC) will work directly with the principal investigators at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Law and the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The LCC will apply legal and social science research methods and analysis to specific questions on electricity governance (1) decision-making at the Public Utility Commission of Pennsylvania (PA PUC) and the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) pertaining to clean energy issues and (2) public participation at PA PUC and PUCO. The LCC will be credited as a co-author on the research papers and articles submitted for publication. Research support will be provided by law students currently at the School of Law.
The Environmental Law & Policy Clinic (ELPC) is a cordial and supportive work environment and home to clinic students who are passionate about clean energy and environmental issues. ELPC works closely with faculty, staff and students at other units at the University of Pittsburgh that are focused on sustainability, including SPIA, the Center for Energy, and the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation; with other law clinics, including the CELC; and with the American Bar Association Section on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources (ABA SEER).
The ELPC director will provide career mentoring to the Staff Attorney, including introductions to the network of researchers and lawyers at the University of Pittsburgh, the energy and environmental community in PA and OH, and lawyers at the ABA SEER. Prof. Miranda Leppla, Director of CELC, who has decades-long experience representing clean energy clients at PUCO proceedings, and who has mentored other staff attorneys, will provide additional mentorship. Prof. Shanti Gamper-Rabindra, of the School of Public & International Affairs, will share her preliminary research design and preliminary list of prospective interviewees to jumpstart the collaborative research. The ELPC director, in collaboration with the CELC director, will support the overall project goal on building expertise in energy governance by developing curriculum and teaching law students about electricity markets and governance and building collaborations with other law clinics.
Required Qualifications:
J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to a state bar; Authorized to work in the United States (this position will not provide any sponsorship for work authorization); Demonstrated knowledge or interest in public utility regulation; Strong legal research and writing skills; Ability to manage complex research projects with attention to detail and timelines; Ability to work collaboratively with senior and student researchers; Experience conducting legal and social science research; Commitment to working the entire scheduled 17 months on the project to complete the deliverables.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in public utility law, energy regulatory practice, or PUC proceedings; Familiarity with PUC dockets, ratemaking or rulemaking practice, or energy agency proceedings in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or comparable jurisdictions; Demonstrated interest in legal scholarship and policy research (e.g., contributions to law review publications or policy reports); Knowledge of Pennsylvania or Ohio energy regulatory frameworks or comparable restructured markets; Experience in a law clinic, legal aid office, government agency, or other public interest legal setting; Experience interviewing or interacting with stakeholders or focus groups.
Assists in litigating cases before local and federal courts and administrative agencies. Advises upper-level law students and assists in planning and teaching clinic seminars. Engages in research projects utilizing legal education and expertise. May participate in community outreach events. The individual in this role will not represent the University of Pittsburgh in a legal capacity or serve as an attorney for the institution.
The Environmental Law & Policy Legal Clinic Consultant will undertake collaborative research applying legal and social science research methods and analysis to specific questions on electricity governance and will be credited as co-author on the research papers and articles submitted for publication. Research support will be provided by law students currently enrolled at the School of Law.
Research
• Review and analyze PUC dockets, orders, and proceedings in Pennsylvania and Ohio, focusing on decisions involving renewable energy, energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, large load entities, and related issues; Conduct statutory and regulatory analysis of state public utility law frameworks in both states; Research and synthesize administrative law, case law, and agency guidance relevant to PUC decision-making and public participation.
• Assess the technical, economic, and legal arguments presented by various intervenors and other stakeholders and PUC staff, judges, and commissioners in PUC proceedings; Contribute to the design of questionnaires to solicit the views of PUC staff and various stakeholders (e.g., energy and consumer groups and the public) to learn about public participation at PUCs; Secure interviews and conduct in-person and virtual interviews of PUC staff and other stakeholders in electricity governance issues.
• Contribute to the drafting and submission of two or three high-quality research papers to social science or law journals.
Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Job Details
- Assignment Category: Full-time regular
- Job Classification: Staff.Legal Clinic Consultant
- Job Family: Legal
- Job Sub-Family: Legal Support
- Campus: Pittsburgh
- Minimum Education Level Required: Juris Doctorate
- Minimum Years of Experience Required: 2
- Substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
- Required Licensure/Certification: Licensed Attorney
- Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
- Hiring Range: $80,000-$90,000 annually
- Relocation Offered: No
- Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
- Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
- Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
- Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample, Other (review job description for more details)
- Optional Documents: Not Applicable