Staff Attorney

Quasi-Independent Agencies•Hallowell, ME

7d•$90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Public Utilities Commission plays a pivotal role in shaping Maine's energy landscape. We are committed to serving the public interest by balancing access to safe and reliable utility services with rates that are just and reasonable for customers and public utilities, while minimizing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. We are seeking an experienced Staff Attorney to join our Legal Division and help us tackle in an administrative law context some of the most important issues facing public utilities in Maine. If you are intellectually curious about public utilities, have strong legal writing skills , and have a professional drive for solving complex problems in a dynamic and collaborative work environment, this is a great opportunity to meaningfully serve the public interest in an impactful public service career. The Legal Division is looking for attorneys who thrive on combining their legal skills with critical thinking and evaluative analysis to help shape the future of Maine's energy systems. As a Staff Attorney at the Commission, you will serve as a legal advisor to Commission leadership and staff on a wide range of public utility matters. As presiding officer , Staff Attorneys manage the Commission’s dockets, which include ratemaking proceedings, formal and informal investigations, rulemaking proceedings, and competitive procurements for renewable energy. Staff Attorneys may also represent the Commission in an appellate capacity before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, or as counsel in other state and federal judicial forums. At the Commission, Staff Attorneys play a key role in a professional teamwork environment . They preside over the Commission’s proceedings, including evidentiary hearings, and ensure due process is provided in all matters. Staff attorneys work closely with the Commission’s utility analysts to conduct case and technical conferences, evaluate utility filings, review and analyze technically complex evidence and legal argument, and help shape important decisions that affect Maine’s energy future . This position offers attorneys a unique opportunity to get hands-on with a range of administrative law challenges and to directly contribute to the decision-making process that affects ratepayers and Maine’s energy sector. Your role as a Staff Attorney will put you in the middle of critical energy discussions, where your legal work will have real-world consequences. Your efforts will help ensure Maine’s energy systems are reliable, sustainable, and affordable for consumers. If you enjoy applying your legal skills to solve complex problems, this is a great fit. Additionally, we offer: Hybrid Work Flexibility : As docket schedules allow, work remotely 3 days a week and spend 2 days a week in our office in Hallowell. (Must reside in Maine). Professional Development : Access to in-house and professional training and growth opportunities to support your career advancement. Inclusive Culture : Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are necessary and valued.

Requirements

Candidates must have obtained a Juris Doctor degree from a recognized school of law and be admitted to the practice of law in the State of Maine .
A minimum of 3 years’ experience practicing law as a licensed attorney.
The ability to dissect law and regulations.
The ability to pay close attention to detail and to organize and analyze information to make sound recommendations.
A natural inclination to dive deep into unfamiliar topics, seek out new information, and continuously learn. We want someone who is not afraid to tackle complex regulatory issues and who thrives on solving difficult problems. You will need to be comfortable with ambiguity.
The skill to communicate complex ideas clearly, in writing and verbally to technical and non-technical and legal and non-legal audiences. Strong legal writing skills are a necessity.
Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to maintain professional working relationships, and the ability to work effectively independently and in teams.
The ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects. You will need to demonstrate the ability to work independently, stay organized, and meet deadlines without compromising quality.
We want someone who takes ownership of their work and is proactive in addressing challenges. Your ability to seek out solutions and ask insightful questions will be a key part of your success.

Nice To Haves

experience in the public utility sector, preferably including experience with ratemaking methods and procedures
administrative law background
can organize thoughts and argument into clearly written legal analyses
intellectually curious, proactive, and able to timely manage assigned dockets and workload.
highly motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Advise Commission and Staff.
Research, interpret, and apply applicable laws, rules, policy, and Commission precedent.
Provide in-house oral and written legal advice, and draft and issue recommended decisions , recommending findings of fact and conclusions of law for public deliberation by the Commission.
Preside Over Administrative Proceedings.
Interact with attorneys, witnesses, and parties as the presiding officer in formal conference and hearing settings in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, including with respect to discovery and evidentiary disputes.
Facilitate settlement negotiations when appropriate.
Appellate Advocacy.
Opportunity to appear as counsel for the Commission on appeals of final orders, which go directly to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court .
Rulemaking.
Draft rules, notices of rulemaking, and orders adopting rules, all in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act.
Collaborative Evaluation of Utility Filings.
Work directly with utility analysts in a team environment to review filings from public utilities, such as requests for rate changes, grid planning proposals, interconnection requests, and requests for approvals of reorganizations, financing, and other regulated activities.
Assist utility analysts in writing staff analyses of complex financial, operational, and/or technical evaluations addressing whether utilities are operating effectively and efficiently.

Benefits

Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68 -$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.91% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

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