Counsel II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

13d

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Siting Division has an exciting job opportunity for an attorney to join the Siting Division to work as a Presiding Officer (Counsel II) on matters involving the siting and permitting of energy facilities. The Siting Division is implementing the important provisions of the 2024 Climate Act, and the Presiding Officer is a key resource to ensure the successful implementation of this novel and cutting edge law.
As a Counsel II you will work on a wide variety of regulatory matters as part of an interdisciplinary team with other attorneys and technical staff. Proceedings include adjudications, rulemakings, and determinations of jurisdiction and other matters; and often involve complex legal, technical, and policy issues with multiple parties that participate actively. This position involves expertise in conducting proceedings and taking a lead role in developing the procedural and substantive elements of Siting Division cases and other work products. This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.
Siting Division reviews include evaluation of need for the project, alternative project options (such as energy efficiency, advanced transmission technologies, and distributed energy resources), environmental impacts and mitigation measures, cost-effectiveness, and consistency with state energy/environmental policies, statutes, and regulations. EFSB siting authority includes consolidated permits, construction permits, exemptions from local zoning, issuance of other state and local permits, advisory rulings and determinations, and compliance oversight. If you are ready to leverage your expertise and passion for public service to help the Commonwealth advance its clean energy future, the Counsel II role is an ideal next step in your energy/environmental career!
The Counsel II role will challenge you in a fast-paced, dynamic and collegial environment. In addition to the review of major energy facilities, you will also get extensive opportunities to learn about and advise on cutting edge energy technologies.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached.

Requirements

• experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law
• expertise in the statutes and regulations governing siting and permitting of major new energy infrastructure in Massachusetts
• strong organizational skills
• 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 and a broad array of stakeholders
• Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Responsibilities

• serving as Presiding Officer on high-priority, complex and highly contested agency adjudications
• managing the case schedule and specific conduct of the adjudicatory proceeding, including conducting local public comment hearings and presiding at evidentiary hearing(s); making written and oral rulings; working with technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record
• participating in the preparation of a Tentative Decision and Final Decision, and presenting the Tentative Decision to the Siting Board at its deliberative public meeting
• preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures, legal standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent, and developing recommended actions based on that research
• representing the Siting Board in interventions before other administrative agencies
• mastering local, state and national siting and permitting procedures, requirements and standards
• drafting regulations and reviewing legislation.

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.
• 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