Counsel II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.
The position includes the opportunity for hybrid remote work.

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.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.
Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.
We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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