Energy and Oil & Gas - General Attorney / Environmental and Land Use - General Attorney in Boston, MA

Government

Boston, MA

Energy and Oil & Gas - General Attorney / Environmental and Land Use - General Attorney in Boston, MA

Attorney

Min 3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Counsel II

Job Responsibilities:

The Counsel II position at the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) involves a variety of legal and regulatory duties aimed at overseeing and ensuring the safe, reliable, and affordable provision of utilities in Massachusetts. The role is integral to the DPU’s Legal Division, which serves as a modern utility commission with a focus on climate and equity. As a Counsel II, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

- Act as a Hearing Officer on regulatory matters, working closely with other attorneys and technical staff such as analysts, engineers, and economists.
- Manage Department proceedings, which includes establishing procedural schedules, conducting public and evidentiary hearings, making written and oral rulings, and coordinating with technical staff to develop a comprehensive record for cases progressing to the Commission.
- Prepare and present recommendations and draft orders to the Commission.
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures, standards, applicable laws, and precedents.
- Represent the Department in settlement negotiations and in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies.
- Handle adjudication of complex legal and technical issues, such as rate-setting and procedural motions, within a framework of new regulatory policies and legal strategies.
- Engage in robust public engagement and creative policy development to facilitate the transition to a clean energy system.

Education and Experience Information:

Applicants for the Counsel II position must meet the following education and experience requirements:

- 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.

Preferred qualifications include:

- Strong experience in legal writing.
- Experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy, or environmental law is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills, particularly in teams involving technical and legal staff.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
- Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
- A current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License may be required for attending hearings, site visits, or other assignments.

The position may require occasional out-of-state travel and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Salary Information:

The salary range for the Counsel II position is $86, to $126, per year. Employees embarking on a career with the Commonwealth are offered a comprehensive suite of employee benefits that enhance the overall compensation package. These benefits are designed to support the employees, their families, and their future.

Additional Information:

The Department of Public Utilities is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. The organization encourages applications from females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. It does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate laws. The organization particularly encourages individuals who believe they have the necessary skills, even if they do not meet 100% of the job requirements, to apply for this role.

The position is classified under the legal services job category and is a full-time, day shift role. There are two openings available for this position.