ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CLINIC - Staff Attorney
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CLINIC - Staff Attorney at University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Company: University of Pittsburgh
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Employment type: FULL_TIME
- Salary: USD 38000–90000 / year
- Posted: 2026-06-17
About this role
Assists in litigating complex immigration cases before immigration courts, federal courts, and administrative agencies. Advises upper-level law students and assists in planning and teaching clinic seminars. Participates in community outreach events.
Law-Instruction
This is a FULL-TIME, TEMPORARY 17-MONTH, GRANT-FUNDED, IN PERSON POSITION PAYING $90,000 FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS AND $38,000 FOR THE REMAINING 5 MONTHS.
The Staff Attorney (SA) will undertake collaborative research on (1) decision-making at the Public Utility Commission of Pennsylvania (PA PUC) and the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) pertaining to clean energy issues and (2) public participation at PA PUC and PUCO. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with experience in public utility law to focus on electricity governance research within a supportive academic setting, thus building the SA’s research credentials to pursue law careers at universities, policy institutions and government agencies. The SA will undertake collaborative research, working closely with Prof. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran, professor at the Pitt School of Law and GSPIA will apply legal and social science research methods and analysis to specific questions on electricity governance and co-author with Gamper-Rabindran two or three high-quality research papers for publication in social science or law journals, which are the project deliverables to the funder. The SA will provide directions on research tasks to law students who will provide research assistance for the project.
Essential Functions
Review and analyze PUC dockets, orders, and proceedings in Pennsylvania and Ohio, focusing on decisions involving renewable energy, energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, large load entities and related issues.
Conduct statutory and regulatory analysis of state public utility law frameworks in both states.
Research and synthesize administrative law, case law, and agency guidance relevant to PUC decision-making and public participation.
Assess the technical, economic and legal arguments presented by various intervenors and other stakeholders and PUC staff, judges, and commissioners in PUC proceedings.
Contribute to the design of questionnaires to solicit the views of PUC staff and various stakeholders (e.g., energy and consumer groups and the public) to learn about public participation at PUCs.
Secure interviews and conduct in-person and virtual interviews of PUC staff and other stakeholders in electricity governance issues.
Contribute to the drafting and submission of two or three high-quality research papers to social science or law journals.
Physical Effort
Little physical effort is required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Assignment Category
Full-time regular
Job Classification
Staff.Immigration Clinic Fellow
Job Family
Legal
Job Sub-Family
International Legal Support
Campus
Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Years Of Experience Required
2
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?
Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Work Arrangement
On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
Hiring Range
$90,000-First 12 mos.; $38,000-Subsequent 5 mos.
Relocation Offered
No
Visa Sponsorship Provided
No
Background Check
For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances
Not Applicable
Required Documents
Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample, Other (review job description for more details)
Optional Documents
Not Applicable