Legal Office Director

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is hiring an Office Director (Legal) for the Office of Legal Counsel. The position supports the Commissioner, the EQ Deputy Commissioner, and approximately 370 staff members in the Environmental Quality branch’s Bureaus of Air Management, Water Protection and Land Reuse, and Materials Management and Compliance Assurance. The director oversees legal staff and provides legal support for state and federally delegated environmental programs, enforcement cases, permitting matters, administrative proceedings, petitions for declaratory rulings, regulations, legislation, and day-to-day legal questions. The role provides legal guidance and representation to help achieve environmental program goals involving clean water and air, waste minimization, pollution remediation, and climate change adaptation. It is an appointed position that serves at the pleasure of the DEEP Commissioner. The position is based in Hartford, Connecticut, and follows a Monday–Friday hybrid schedule.

Requirements

Must be admitted to practice law in Connecticut, or meet the qualifications and requirements for admission under Section 2-13 of the Connecticut Practice Book and obtain Connecticut Bar membership within six months of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with principals and subject matter experts through legal issues in a fast-paced environment.
Experience preparing written legal communications involving legal research and analysis, including memoranda of law, legal briefs, decisions, or opinions for judicial or administrative proceedings.
Experience leading teams and managing projects, including reviewing and overseeing legal personnel’s work product and performance.
Experience with administrative processes and the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, including drafting or promulgating regulations, participating in or adjudicating contested case proceedings, or participating in administrative appeals.
Experience in administrative or judicial proceedings in state or federal forums.
Experience collaborating with subject matter experts to achieve a client’s objectives.
Experience independently preparing, reviewing, and revising contracts.
Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing legislation or regulations, including engagement with internal personnel and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Provide legal guidance to and represent the agency in support of programmatic goals related to clean water, clean air, waste minimization, pollution remediation, and adaptation to climate change.
Review, draft, and implement statutes and regulations affecting human health and the environment, including matters involving water discharges, air emissions, coastal issues, and solid and hazardous waste management.
Address overlapping federal and state jurisdictional issues and help ensure state programs delegated by the federal government remain eligible for federal funding, including water, air, PCB, underground storage tank, and hazardous waste programs.
Assist with permitting programs and enforcement matters to help ensure consistent application of administrative and programmatic requirements.
Communicate and collaborate with other state government offices and agencies, including the Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, and Office of Policy and Management, on significant matters, policy, legal strategy, and initiatives.
Support bureau enforcement efforts, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing consent orders.
Manage a team of attorneys and oversee legal work supporting the Environmental Quality branch.
Address enforcement cases, legal issues arising in permitting, and agency support for administrative proceedings.
Review petitions for declaratory rulings and draft responses and decisions.
Draft and review regulations and legislation, and respond to day-to-day legal questions.