Staff Attorney
Company: Western Resource Advocates (WRA)
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: March 20, 2023
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Job Description:
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is seeking an enthusiastic and
driven Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney to join our Clean
Energy Team in Arizona. The Clean Energy Staff Attorney or Senior
Staff Attorney (the attorney) will be responsible for representing
WRA in state-level administrative proceedings in Arizona, as well
as state and federal litigation as necessary. The attorney will
participate in complex regulatory litigation, primarily before
state electric utility regulatory bodies, collaboratively with
WRA's state-focused and regional policy teams. This position will
identify opportunities to advance WRA's policy goals in various
regulatory proceedings and collaborates with the broader team to
secure those identified outcomes. To this end, the attorney will
craft and review discovery requests, review and edit expert witness
testimony, draft motions and briefs, conduct oral argument and
cross-examination, represent WRA in complex negotiations, and
cultivate and maintains relationship with other key stakeholders,
such as utilities, clean energy trade groups, consumer advocates,
independent power producers, and other conservation groups. This
position will represent WRA in a diverse array of rulemaking and
litigated proceedings before various regulatory agencies, including
state public utility, air quality, and regional transmission
planning groups. The attorney will also assist in WRA's legislative
advocacy efforts and may occasionally be involved in state or
federal litigation. The ideal candidate has a commitment to climate
action and equitable clean energy policy solutions, and is capable
of independently managing a docket of complex regulatory matters
with minimal direct oversight. This position is an exciting
opportunity to shape state-level policy to help build a just,
clean, and sustainable future for the communities and economies of
the Interior West. About Western Resource Advocates WRA fights
climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy,
and people of the West. We respect the different needs of diverse
people and partner with them to develop a shared vision for
progress - one that advances communities while protecting
biodiversity. Our team of policy experts, scientists, economists,
and attorneys has a 30-year history of working where decisions are
made, sweating the details, creating evidence-based solutions, and
holding decisionmakers accountable. This on the ground work with
policymakers and other advocates advances clean energy, protects
air, land, water, and wildlife - and sustains the lives and
livelihoods of the West. Location This position may work remotely
within the greater metropolitan Phoenix area, from our office in
Phoenix, or a hybrid remote and in office setting. This position
requires in person meetings, events and court appearances mostly
within the Phoenix area. Responsibilities and Activities Represent
WRA in state and regional level utility regulatory and planning
proceedings, courts, legislative bodies, and other forums. Provide
counsel and strategic advice regarding state and federal energy
regulation, climate policy, and administrative law. Prepare
discovery, pleadings, briefs, oral argument, cross-examination, and
testimony for regulatory proceedings. Negotiate and draft complex
settlement agreements. Identify and create opportunities to advance
WRA's conservation policy goals. Work collaboratively with
technical program staff serving as expert witnesses. Work directly
with the region's electric utilities, state and municipal
governments, consumer groups, the environmental community, and
other stakeholders to advance policies aimed at accelerating a
clean energy transition. Identify and manage effective coalitions
of diverse partners to achieve results. Assist with guidance of
outside experts and legal consultants. Provide legal and strategic
advice on non-regulatory policy issues as needed. Work with WRA's
Communications Team to develop communication strategies to advance
WRA's objectives. Working with the Clean Energy Team and the
Development Team, assist in grant proposal and report development.
Monitor and track relevant state and federal policies. Occasional
travel to meetings and events, generally within the Interior West.
Required Qualifications Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited
law school, and licensed to practice law in Arizona. Ability to
work independently and with autonomy, knowing when to seek input
and guidance from supervisor. Ability to manage a deadline-driven
docket of regulatory litigation. Background in environmental,
energy, or other types of administrative law and strong
understanding of current issues in energy regulation and policy.
Ability to independently develop and maintain relationships and
successfully engage in building broad-based coalitions to advance
our goals. Ability to work closely with technical experts to
develop and execute case strategies. Excellent analytical skills.
Superior oral and written communication skills with the ability to
influence policymakers, partners, and other stakeholders on complex
subjects. Commitment to WRA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
goals. ADDITIONAL SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY QUALIFICATIONS At least 5
years of relevant experience, including experience with cross
examination of witnesses in administrative law hearings. In
addition to the qualifications listed above, candidates interested
in the senior level role should also possess at least two of the
following additional qualifications: Experience independently
managing a deadline-driven docket of complex regulatory litigation,
with minimal supervision; Significant experience as a litigator in
state public utility regulatory proceedings; Experience with air
quality law, regional or national electric markets, or climate
policy; or Existing relationships with key energy stakeholders or
policymakers in the Interior West. Physical Requirements Prolonged
periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions. Some small amount of travel may
be required within WRA seven-state region to attend retreats and
other events. Salary And Benefits The salary range for the Staff
Attorney position is $67,000-$90,000 annually, and the Senior Staff
Attorney position is $86,500-$115,000 annually; salary depends on
relevant experience. WRA's excellent benefits package includes a
401(k)-retirement plan with up to 5% matching and health, dental,
vision, and life & disability insurance with 100% of premiums for
employee coverage paid by WRA. Annually, staff receive three weeks
paid vacation leave to start, twelve paid sick days, one paid
volunteer day, one paid birthday off, 12 paid holidays, and WRA is
closed for Winter Break between Christmas Day and New Year's Day
for additional paid time off. After one-year employees are eligible
for up to twelve weeks of parental leave with the first six weeks
paid, and after five years, staff are eligible for up to twelve
weeks of paid sabbatical leave. Position is full-time exempt.
Deadline To Apply: Open until filled with priority review starting
on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Diversity and inclusion are a critical
component of our business strategy, mission and vision. We welcome
candidates from an array of backgrounds and experiences to join our
team. Learn more about our commitment here. Western Resource
Advocates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and does not
discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on
the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, gender identity,
sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability,
marital status, amnesty, or veteran status. Apply To Be WRA's
Arizona Clean Energy Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney!
Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 5 - 10 years Salary:
$86,500 - $115,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: No
Keywords: Western Resource Advocates (WRA), Phoenix , Staff Attorney, Legal , Phoenix, Arizona
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