Closing Date: 25th May, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
The Legal Division for the California Public Utilities Commission is seeking to fill Attorney IV positions. Legal Division, through the General Counsel, is the attorney for the Commission. Legal Division is dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of Californians. Our more than 100 lawyers and support staff provide a wide range of legal services and represent client groups through the Commission. They provide legal advice to the Commission on matters such as general rate cases to set electricity and gas authorized rates, wildfire risk reduction, and the regulation of transportation companies, and rulemakings to implement state requirements to decarbonize the energy sector and to help bridge the digital divide and extend broadband infrastructure. They also represent the Commission's Public Advocates Office to argue for the lowest possible bills for utility customers, represent Commission divisions that investigate and enforce utility misconduct and safety violations, and represent the Commission in challenges before courts of appeal, federal court, and before federal agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Communications Division.
The available Attorney IV positions are in the following Legal Division Sections: State & Federal Advisory, State & Federal Advisory & Special Projects, State Advisory I, State Advisory II, Government Law and Federal Advisory. Attorneys in these Sections advise Commissioners and Commission decision-makers and staff on most energy, telecommunications, transportation, and rail matters. They also represent the Commission in challenges before courts of appeal and federal court, and before federal agencies.
The Attorney IVs are expected to be experienced attorneys who are experts in relevant areas of law and have demonstrated their ability to independently perform assignments in complex and sensitive legal work. The Attorney IVs will work under the direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel, but may assign, direct, and coordinate the work of a group of attorneys working in a specialized area to ensure that consistency is maintained throughout the process. Typical tasks may include assignment to appellate court proceedings to defend Commission decisions which may be under appeal, litigation before the Commission and federal regulatory agencies in cases involving a high degree of importance and complexity, and providing legal analysis and advice to decisionmakers on complex regulatory issues.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=31778856&name=AttorneyIV.pdf)
Working Conditions:
This is a statewide recruitment. This position can be filled in the following locations: San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles.
This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
Legal Division/ Legal/ Advisory:
Attorney IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=516788)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=31778856&name=AttorneyIV.pdf)
Department Information:
Legal Division/ Legal/ Advisory:
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) State Bar of California License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than three pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following question:
Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) State Bar of California License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than three pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following question:
Describe, with specificity, your experience with and specific interest in public utility regulation and law and policy, or any other relevant experience you've had in public service.
For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Documents/FINAL%20-%20Candidate%20SOQ%20Guidance%201.pdf)
It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov
Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Application Instructions:
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/25/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov
Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Application Instructions:
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/25/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Attn: Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco, CA 94102
N/A
Attn: Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco, CA 94102
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco, CA 94102
Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
N/A
Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
San Francisco, CA 94102
Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the
