Counsel II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has an exciting job opportunity for attorneys to join the DPU’s Legal Division. The DPU aims to serve as a model for a modern utility commission, incorporating climate and equity into its mission, while ensuring reliable, safe, and affordable energy for Massachusetts citizens. Counsels at the DPU act as Hearing Officers and work on teams overseeing the electric power, natural gas, and water industries, navigating the transition from the fossil-fuel reliant energy system of the past to the electrified, resilient, clean energy system of the future. This work is founded on new regulatory frameworks, creative policy and legal work, and robust engagement with the public. DPU Hearing Officers will develop the legal skills they need for a successful legal career, all while facilitating the energy transition that is essential to the future of the Commonwealth.
Hearing Officers work on a wide range of regulatory matters as part of a team with other attorneys and technical staff (e.g., analysts, engineers, economists). Proceedings include adjudications, rulemakings, and notices of inquiry. Typical cases involve multiple parties and require adjudication of complex legal and technical issues (e.g. energy policy, new legislation, rate-setting). Good legal writers will excel in this position.

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
• Teamwork and leadership, especially for teams involving technical and legal staff
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple cases and deadlines
• 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
• Applicants may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drover's license to attend hearings, site visits, or other assignments. Occassional out-of-state travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serving as case manager on Department proceedings. 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 the Commission
• Preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, and applicable law and precedent
• Coordinating the agency’s responses to requests for access to public records and will facilitate the resolution of such requests by the timely and thorough production of public records
• Representing the Department in settlement negotiations of cases as needed, and in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies.
• Other duties as needed or assigned.

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.

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