Legal Counsel – Counsel II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

13d

About The Position

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) seeks a Legal Counsel to join its Legal Division. This position will provide legal representation and support to the agency across the complete range of the agency’s duties and obligations. The Legal Counsel will support administration of the DOER’s statutory and regulatory responsibilities and participate in legal aspects of matters across the agency as part of a team with other attorneys as well as technical and policy staff. This includes administrative proceedings before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), as well as other matters involving the energy industry in the Commonwealth. This position will also participate as legal counsel in adjudications and other proceedings, which have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues (e.g., energy policy, incentive programs, greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, siting and permitting rules and requirements, and legislation). This position requires a substantial amount of legal analysis and writing.

Requirements

• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Nice To Haves

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple work streams.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and consultants.
• Experience in energy or environmental law, administrative law, or public utility law.
• Knowledge of state law governing regulatory proceedings.
• Knowledge of Ch. 30A, the Administrative Procedures Act.
• General knowledge of clean/renewable energy technologies and Massachusetts’ clean energy goals.
• General knowledge of legal concepts at the intersection of state and federal law.

Responsibilities

• Present legal recommendations to DOER staff and senior management.
• Manage rulemaking processes and compliance with applicable provisions of G. L. Ch. 30A.
• Represent the agency in interventions before other administrative agencies.
• Represent the Department, as part of a team, in proceedings before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities as well as other administrative agencies, including preparing comments, pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery and responses to discovery, witness preparation, cross-examination questions, and related adjudicatory responsibilities.
• Present recommendations and draft documents, pleadings, comments, briefs and other regulatory filings for and on behalf of the Department.
• Prepare legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent.
• Participate in all aspects of contracting services, including contract drafting, review, negotiation, and review of contracts and contract amendments.
• Respond to requests for public records by analyzing and preparing responses.
• Research and draft legislation to amend applicable statutes as necessary.
• Keep up to date on relevant statutes, regulations, case law, and other legal and policy issues relevant to or affecting the DOER’s procedures and responsibilities.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• 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