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Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility industries – electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation – before the Public Service Commission (PSC), the court system, and state and federal regulatory bodies. Additionally, the ORS houses the state’s Energy Office, Broadband Office, Digital Opportunity Department, Equipment Distribution Program (EDP), and has responsibility for oversight of railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety in South Carolina.

As a member of the legal team, Staff Attorney job duties include:

• Represent ORS in proceedings before the Public Service Commission in matters including but not limited to those concerning jurisdictional water, wastewater, electric, telecommunications, and gas utilities, and jurisdictional transportation carriers. Present the position of ORS in each proceeding through presentation of witnesses for direct examination, oral argument, cross-examination of other parties' witnesses, and preparation of briefs and proposed orders.
• Prepare and draft pleadings and documents required for filing cases, filing motions, and setting forth the position of ORS. Conduct extensive trial or hearing preparation, including drafting of pleadings, discovery, legal research, witness preparation and preparation of pre-filed testimony. Also engage in negotiation and preparation of agreements such as settlement agreements, confidentiality agreements, complaint settlements, or mediation of issues.
• Provide legal advice to ORS staff members and agency members on matters and issues which arise on a day-to-day basis.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school. Must have passed the SC Bar Examination. Must be able to communicate accurately and effectively in both oral and written form.

Entry-level candidates, including attorneys who have recently passed the SC Bar Examination or who are otherwise soon to be licensed in South Carolina, are encouraged to apply.

Additional Comments

Other requirements include:

• Position requires limited travel to include evening and/or out-of-town meetings.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• All ORS employees are required to attend ethics training annually for continued employment.
• All ORS employees are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities.
• Work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Remote work is not available and employees work in-office at 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, SC 29201.