Make an Impact Through Public Service: Meet CPUC Attorney Maya Benatar
Why did you choose a path of public service?
I chose public service because I believe that meaningful, long‑term system change requires understanding how the system works from the inside. Working at a government agency allows me to see firsthand how rulemaking happens, stakeholders engage, and policies shape real outcomes. It’s a great place to have both impact and perspective.
What public service ethos resonates with you?
The public service ethos that resonates most with me is the commitment to acting in the public interest. For me, that means making decisions that prioritize transparency, fairness, and long-term societal benefit. I also value the idea of stewardship, taking responsibility for ensuring that the systems we manage today remain strong, equitable, and sustainable for future generations.
How has working for the CPUC improved your life personally and professionally?
Work‑life balance has been one of the biggest improvements. I live in San Francisco and go into the San Francisco office and also work from home on telework days, which makes day-to-day life much easier. Professionally, I’ve gained extensive legal writing experience, deepened my understanding of the energy sector, and worked on projects that have real impact. I hope to continue growing here and take on more energy-related work.
What would you tell someone considering working at the CPUC?
I would encourage someone to work here because the CPUC is central to California’s energy landscape. Almost every major stakeholder in the state interacts with the CPUC, which makes it an incredibly valuable place to understand how decisions are made and how energy policy evolves. It's an opportunity to be part of work that genuinely affects California’s future.
Starting at an entry-level position can be challenging. What would you say to someone beginning their career at the CPUC?
Starting in an entry‑level role can feel overwhelming, but the state is a place where your growth compounds over time. Benefits including pay, healthcare, retirement, and vacation become more robust the longer you stay.
Do you have closing words of encouragement?
If you want to make a tangible difference in California’s future, whether in energy, transportation, safety, or consumer protection, the CPUC is an impactful place to work. You will work with people who care deeply about the public good, and you’ll have the chance to contribute to decisions that shape the future of the state. It’s meaningful work, and it’s a great place to build a career.
Maya skiing with a friend.
By Andrea Marvin, Public Information Officer
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