Serve as Hearing Officer for agency proceedings regarding oversight of the electric power, natural gas and water industries in the Commonwealth. Draft regulations and legislation. Provide legal advice to Commission and senior Legal Staff. Assist in formulating and implementing policy initiatives. Consult with senior Legal Staff regarding matters appealed from the agency to the Supreme Judicial Court.
Responsibilities include but not limited too:
Serve as hearing officer in agency proceedings:
Manages case schedule and progress to ensure that all statutory and other deadlines are met;
Noticing and conducting public hearings;
Serves as the presiding officer at procedural and technical conferences and evidentiary hearings;
Prepares regulations and conducting rulemaking proceedings as assigned
Works with, and coordinating the work of, technical analysts to ensure the development of a thorough record;
Rules on all evidentiary issues and motions (both orally and in writing); Ensures that the case scope and standards of review are consistent with the statute, regulations and agency’s review of similar types of cases;
Conducts legal research;
Presents information and recommendations and providing legal advice at deliberative meetings of the Commission;
Works with, and coordinates the work of, technical analysts in drafting written memoranda and presentations for the Commission to assist in its deliberative process;
Works with, and coordinates the work of, technical analysts in preparing draft orders for Commission consideration.
Assists the Attorney General’s office on appeals of Department orders.
Interprets laws, rules, regulations and judicial or quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations;
Prepares legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent;
Keeps up to date with relevant changes in case law, statutes, and on relevant legal and policy issues;
Analyzes the adequacy and appropriateness of the agency’s rules and regulations;
Researches, drafts and reviews legislative bills and proposals, as necessary.
Perform duties that benefit the DPU and/or Legal Division.
Trains agency staff and maintains training manuals in such matters as the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing agency operations; and maintains and/or monitors the agency website’s legal content;
Develops and implements agency policy initiatives;
Drafts reports for the General Court
Represents the Department in settlement negotiations of cases as needed;
Represents the Department in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies, as needed;
Provides information to the public and other agencies by answering inquires related to agency functions, rules and regulations;
Conducts training seminars and conferences on agency operations;
Consults with the Attorney General’s office regarding litigation challenging agency policies and regulations; and negotiates with legal staff of other agencies to develop memoranda of agreement concerning joint programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to above, experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy or environmental law is highly desirable. Due to the nature of the work required, the candidate must have strong organizational skills, and possess the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form. The candidate also must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons at all levels.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 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.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Counsel II
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station
Job
: Legal Services
Agency
: Department of Public Utilities
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Jan 29, 2019, 11:38:07 AM
Number of Openings
: 1
Salary
: 71,605.04 – 103,470.38 Biweekly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Laura-Jean Canducci – 617-626-1654
