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January 17, 2021
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Florida Legislative Employment Information

The Florida Legislature
The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight

Job Title

The Public Counsel

General Summary

This is highly responsible work directing all functions of the Office of Public Counsel as mandated by Chapter 350 Florida Statutes. An employee in a position allocated to this class directs, sets policy, manages the staff of this office, and represents the general public of Florida in matters involving utility regulation.
 
Signed into law after the 2020 legislative session, CS/CS/HB 1095 requires the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight to receive applications, conduct interviews, and appoint a Public Counsel to a 4-year term beginning on March 1, 2021.  The Public Counsel is appointed by a majority vote of the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight appointees of both the Florida Senate and House of Representatives and is required to take and subscribe to the oath of office required of all state officers by the State Constitution.  The Public Counsel is appointed for a term of 4 years, and may be reappointed thereafter, provided that a person appointed as the Public Counsel may not serve more than 12 consecutive years in the position. For statutory duties see sections 350.0611, Florida Statutes.

 

Examples of Work Performed

  • Plans, directs, and administers the overall operations of the Office of Public Counsel. 
  • Provides legal representation for the people of the State of Florida in proceedings before the Public Service Commission. 
  • Retains and supervises a staff of attorneys, analysts, assistants, and technical personnel. 
  • Determines positions and policies which are in the public interest and urges their acceptance by the Public Service Commission. 
  • Petitions for judicial review of determinations, findings, or orders of the Public Service Commission. 
  • Prepares and issues reports, recommendations, and proposed orders to the Public Service Commission, the Governor, and the Legislature. 
  • Appears before other state agencies, federal agencies, and state and federal courts in matters related to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission. 
  • Maintains familiarity with all cases in which the Office of Public Counsel is involved.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of legal terminology.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and/or administration.
  • Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedure.
  • Skilled in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
  • Ability to provide legal counsel.

Minimum Qualifications

Attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar and seven years of professional legal experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in federal, state and/or local government regulatory utility matters.
Experience in regulatory litigation, administrative litigation, and consumer representation.

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience in conformance with the Legislative Salary Schedule. 
The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.
 

Application Deadline

January 8, 2021

Submission of Application

Qualified applicants should send a completed Legislative Application, detailed resume, and salary history to:
 
Jackie Brown, Employment Manager 
The Florida Legislature
Office of Human Resources 
Room 701 Claude Pepper Building 
111 West Madison Street
Tallahassee, Florida  32399-1400
Phone: (850) 717-0376
 
 

Applications are available through the Florida Legislature's web site Online Sunshine and in Room 701 of the Claude Pepper Building.

Accommodation for Disability

If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.