Telecommunications Regulatory Attorney 

Job Posting
Written By Shannon Lo

Dept: Legal
FLSA: Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Location: Hybrid/Remote

TURN Description:

TURN (The Utility Reform Network) is a non-profit advocacy organization committed to ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable utility services for all Californians. We advocate for equitable policies that protect consumers, particularly in underserved communities, through policy change, research, and grassroots engagement. 

Job Overview:

The Telecommunications Regulatory Attorney practices primarily before the CPUC and occasionally before the FCC to advance policies that support the widespread deployment of reliable, affordable, and high-quality communications services, including broadband service, especially for the digitally disenfranchised or those who otherwise face communications service gaps. In addition, the Telecommunications Regulatory Attorney strives to focus on the needs of low-income households, communities of color, immigrants, and rural communities. The Telecommunications Regulatory Attorney collaborates with the Telecom Team to submit timely regulatory agency filings or complete other work and must be committed to economic and racial justice, and be a proactive and creative problem solver. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None

Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Represent residential customers in CPUC proceedings by drafting and filing legal pleadings that promote racial and economic equity in telecommunications and broadband policy; conducting legal and policy research; utilizing discovery; directing the work of expert consultants and witnesses; appearing in administrative hearings; conducting cross-examination; lobbying decision-makers; working with other consumer and community groups; and taking other forms of legal action.

    • Depending on experience, mentor more junior Telecom attorneys and policy analysts by providing legal and strategic guidance, professional development support, and/or constructive feedback on written work to support accuracy, clarity, and alignment with TURN’s mission. 

  • Advocate on behalf of all California consumers, focusing on creating legislative or regulatory changes to ensure affordable access to essential communications services for low-income households, communities of color, immigrant communities, and rural communities. 

  • Work with the TURN Telecom Team and other teams to develop TURN positions and related legislative and regulatory advocacy strategies before the CPUC, the state legislature, the FCC, and other forums on emerging and fast-developing telecommunications and broadband policy issues. 

  • Proactively follow telecommunications and broadband policy issues related to TURN positions to bolster TURN’s understanding and refine TURN’s positions as needed. 

  • Write summaries and reports for the TURN website, online alerts, newsletters, and fundraising and program-related materials.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

  • Excellent Communicator: Communicates effectively (written and oral) with all levels throughout the organization and the public. 

  • Socially Aware: Commitment to economic and racial justice. 

  • Technical Familiarity: Understanding of computer-based applications, including email, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams), Zoom, and Adobe. 

  • Active Teamwork: Demonstrates problem solving, conflict resolution, and positive communication through collaborative teamwork and independent work. 

Core Competencies 

  • Legal and policy research. 

  • Persuasive legal writing. 

  • Time management. 

  • Problem-solving. 

  • Effective communication.

  • Interpersonal skills. 

  • Teamwork skills. 

  • Collaboration skills. 

  • Organizational skills. 

  • Critical thinking.

Reporting and Supervision: 

Reports to Managing Attorney 

Education and Experience: 

  • Education: Graduate of an accredited school of law. 

  • Experience: 2–10 years of legal practice before the CPUC or a similar regulatory agency, preferably on telecommunications or broadband issues. TURN will consider applicants with more than the required experience, including any additional experience working in multiracial and multilingual organizations. 

  • Licensure: Licensed to practice law in California or any jurisdiction within the United States.

Physical Requirements: 

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times. 

  • This is a full-time exempt position that may require occasional after-business hours work to meet legislative or regulatory deadlines. 

Application Process:

To apply, submit to cwright@turn.org the following:

  1. Cover letter

  2. Resume

  3. Writing sample

Please contact cwright@turn.org to request an accommodation for the application process if necessary.

Download PDF of this Job Posting Here.

Shannon Lo