Counsel II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has an exciting job opportunity for an attorney to join the DPU’s Legal Division to work as a Hearing Officer (Counsel II) on matters involving oversight of the electric power, natural gas, and water industries. DPU's work takes place in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, with an emphasis on mitigating and adapting to climate change, while maintaining reliable, safe, and affordable energy to Massachusetts. Proceedings that come before the Department cover various areas of administrative and energy law. The Department seeks candidates to serve as Hearing Officers on agency proceedings regarding oversight of the electric power, natural gas and water industries in the Commonwealth. The Hearing Officer will work on a wide range of regulatory matters as part of a team with other attorneys as well as technical staff ( e.g. , analysts, engineers, economists). Proceedings may be adjudications, rulemakings, and notices of inquiry. Each proceeding may have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues ( e.g. energy policy, new legislation, rate-setting). This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• admission to the Massachusetts Bar
• at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law
• Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law is highly desirable
• Ability to work well within and lead teams, particular teams involving technical and legal staff
• Strong organizational skills, ability to balance multiple cases and staff
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons at all levels
• Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License at a Class level specific to assignment.
• Incumbent may be required to attend a one-week out of state training program

Responsibilities

• Serving as case manager on proceedings in front of the Department. This includes establishing procedural schedules, conducting public hearings and evidentiary hearings, making written and oral rulings, and working with and coordinating the work of technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record as cases progress to the Commission
• Preparing and presenting recommendations and draft orders to Commission
• Preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent
• Representing the Department in settlement negotiations of cases as needed, and in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
• Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees