Chief Attorney

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Office of Public Counsel seeks a talented and experienced supervising attorney to lead guide and train litigation teams to achieve successful outcomes for Floridas utility customers. You will play a critical role as the statutory intervenor for cases involving utility rate affordability data center tariffs and agreements clean energy resources storm hardening plans hurricane restoration costs corporate accounting and finance capital investment plans and the cost-effective development and integration of future energy technologies. You will also take or supervise direct appeals to the Florida Supreme Court for electric and gas cases and to the First District Court of Appeals for water cases.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The Office of Public Counsel has zealously represented Floridas customers in high profile litigation for the past 52 years. We intervene as a matter of right to represent residential commercial and industrial customers in proceedings involving the collective interests of all customers of Floridas publicly owned utilities. Our advocates actively confront critical affordability issues where the amounts in controversy can exceed billions of dollars in public hearings before the Public Service Commission.

The Public Counsel performs independent analyses presents testimony of expert witnesses deposes and cross-examines utility witnesses files recommendations and present oral arguments. Our attorneys manage their own cases but operate as members of a litigation team. You may conduct negotiated settlements that result in fair just and reasonable outcomes for all customers. Our advocates may also brief and argue their own cases on appeal.

• Learning and Personal Growth: If you bring the willingness to devote yourself to mastery of public utilities law we will invest the substantial time and resources required to prepare you for success in a rapidly changing legal specialty.
• Appellate Advocacy: If you bring your substantial legal research and writing skills you will receive collaborative support from our experienced attorneys industry consultants legal assistants and other intervening cooperative partners to present effective written and oral arguments.
• Customer Advocacy: Continue to hone your advocacy skills in a variety of public venues to promote the best interests of Floridas customers ranging from the highest courts to local service hearings within impacted communities. Multilingual ability is an asset but not required.
• Advocate for Much Needed Regulatory Change: Enforce the regulatory framework of customer protections and recommend improvements that promote positive outcomes for customers.
• Legal Expertise and Guidance: Display your growing subject-matter expertise by quickly responding to Legislative inquiries.
• Depositions and Cross Examination: Conduct written discovery depositions and examination of industry experts and executives.
• Expert Witnesses: Retain prepare and defend your own industry experts in depositions and hearings.
• Lead Mentor and Develop: As a member of the leadership team set the example mentor and encourage the future success of junior counsel in a collaborative environment.

• Display increasing mastery of the rules related to litigation practice in Florida
• Comprehend utilize and organize complex documents legal theories and research
• Interpret state and federal legislation laws and rules
• Employ legal reasoning to anticipate challenges and implement creative solutions
• Advocate effectively in written and oral communications
• Display independent leadership cooperative teamwork initiative and common sense
• Work collaboratively with outside counsel expert witnesses officials and public staff
• Conduct effective and efficient meetings and presentations
• Prepare well-written accurate and persuasive legal writing
• Conduct relevant and effective legal research to support your positions
• Prepare and present trial briefs motions pleadings and oral arguments
• Exercise stewardship over all public funds and property
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism
• Safeguard confidential and sensitive information
• Treat all people with courtesy dignity and respect
• Zealously advocate for affordable utility rates and other positive customer outcomes
• Put forth the full effort required to organize plan and achieve your litigation goals

Attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar with at least three years of significant litigation experience. Appellate experience is helpful but not required. Your industry-specific knowledge will be developed.

BENEFITS

Excellent individual and family health benefits including free dental insurance. Retirement plan options that include employer contributions. Utilize state tuition opportunities to secure advanced degrees. Enjoy a generous upfront allotment of leave sick leave and holidays. Achieve work-life balance by embracing the unique opportunity to capture a total of 200 excess hours towards block leave with a large annual carryforward to offset the demands of trying 3-5 complex multi-day cases per year as lead attorney.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position will remain open until it is filled.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Qualified applicants should submit an application and detailed resume through the Florida LegislaturesJob Portal.

ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY

Please notify Human Resources at regarding accommodation for persons with disabilities.

You are encouraged to explore this opportunity by contacting the Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler directly by phone or text at or by email at