Description:
Downey Brand, one of California's leading law firms in water, environmental, energy, and natural resources law, is seeking a high-caliber partner or of counsel to join our energy and public utility group within the Natural Resources Department. This is an exciting opportunity for attorneys looking to grow their practices and work on cutting-edge legal issues in both the public and private sectors.About the role:
As a key member of our team, in addition to your portable book of business, you will have additional opportunities to represent a diverse range of clients statewide on energy regulatory proceedings, energy-related contracts, energy project permitting and development, and other environmental matters. Typical issues handled by the group include:
- Representing clients in a wide array of regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, on energy, communications, water, and transportation issues such as regulated utility ratemaking, regulatory compliance, energy market design policy and mechanics, procurement obligations for reliability and renewable resources, purchase and sale of utility assets, wildfire safety and mitigation, and other topics.
- Representing clients in matters before the California Energy Commission, the California Independent System Operator, the Office of Energy Infrastructure and Safety, and the California Air Resources Board.
- Negotiating a broad spectrum of energy-related contracts, including power purchase agreements and interconnection agreements.
- Advising developers of generation, storage, and transmission projects.
- Identifying and anticipating developments involving complex utilities regulations and changed regulatory requirements.
What We're Looking For:
The ideal candidate is an experienced, entrepreneurial attorney with a portable book of business that complements our energy and utilities practice. We are seeking someone who is a self-starter, eager to take on client-facing responsibilities, and ready to contribute to challenging and impactful work. A track record of success in energy and utilities law, along with a distinguished academic record, exceptional research, and writing skills, are essential. Experience in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission is a valuable attribute. Must be a current, active member of the California State Bar.
