Renewable Energy Associate

~ Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP is a law firm specializing in government, land use, real estate, renewable energy, and environmental law. ~

Since 1980, the firm has provided public agencies, non-profits, tribes, and community groups with the highest quality legal representation, offering an array of litigation, regulatory, counseling, and planning services. Known for its commitment to promoting environmental and community values, SMW is at the forefront of the major land use, energy, and development issues.

SMW attorneys appear before public utility commissions in states across the country to advocate on behalf of clients to advance renewable energy policy. The firm further assists clients with contracting and permitting for renewable energy projects. It also represents environmental groups, tribes, and local governments in power plant siting proceedings before various federal, state, and local agencies.

Position Overview

Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP in San Francisco, CA is seeking to hire an Associate Attorney to work on advancing renewable energy policy before state public utility commissions in the United States. The position is in San Francisco, although candidates in other locations may be considered with the right qualifications.

We are seeking an attorney with 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience to join our renewable energy practice. This attorney will be a core part of our renewable energy regulatory team and will also have opportunities to work in the firm’s other practice areas. They will principally represent non-profit organizations, government entities, and renewable energy companies working to advance the development and use of sustainable energy in the United States.

They will appear before public utilities commissions across the country, at FERC, and in other forums. The work involves substantial research and writing, along with considerable opportunities for public speaking, negotiations, and other outward-facing tasks. The attorney will work with a team of SMW attorneys engaged on renewable energy issues and will also interface with outside engineers and economic experts.

Responsibilities

A successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing leadership on renewable energy policy issues, with a particular focus on distributed energy resource policies (e.g., distributed solar, energy storage, demand response, community solar, etc.).
• Representing clients before public utility commissions throughout the United States, including drafting comments and testimony, participating in workshops and hearings, coordinating with other stakeholders, and negotiating settlements to advance client goals.
• Producing compelling written work product to inform and persuade readers. The position entails the drafting of policy white papers and blogs in addition to formal comments in regulatory proceedings.
• Public speaking before commissions, in informal workshops and other regulatory settings, at renewable energy conferences, and in other public fora.
• Working independently to advance client goals.
• Collaborating with team members at the firm, with clients and consultants, and with stakeholders in regulatory proceedings.
• Managing and tracking client budgets.

Qualifications

• Law degree and license to practice. If not a member of the California Bar, candidate must be willing to seek membership within one year of start date.
• Minimum 3 years of state (not necessarily California) regulatory experience with renewable energy policy.
• Familiarity and understanding of principle policy areas related to distributed energy resources including, interconnection standards, grid modernization, net energy metering, community solar, and energy storage.
• Comfort and confidence working with technical issues (particularly regarding distributed energy and grid engineering issues).
• Ability to travel (frequency varies but travel across the United States is required on a regular basis).
• Strong advocacy skills in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently and to represent firm clients with maturity, judgement, and professionalism.
• Project management experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy, particularly environmental.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a member of a team.

Compensation and Benefits

• Expected salary range: $90,000 to 100,000, based on experience, plus discretionary annual bonus.
• Generous medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance coverage and vacation/sick/parental leave policies.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution and discretionary profit-share.
• Commuter, cell-phone, and technology subsidy.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload the following documents:

Cover Letter. We look for cover letters that go beyond the resume to explain why the applicant is an ideal candidate for the position. As the firm is committed to building a diverse work environment, applicants may include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal.

• Resume.
• Writing sample, preferably a comment letter or policy white paper that primarily reflects your work.
• Law school transcript.
• List of three references; work, rather than academic, references are highly preferred.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We expect to fill the position by July 13, 2018 or sooner depending upon applicant availability.

~ Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. ~