Counsel II/Hearing Officers

Who We Are:

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts, regulating the safety of bus companies, moving companies, and transportation network companies and overseeing the safety of natural gas pipelines.

Who We Serve:

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

Job Opening:

The Department of Public Utilities, seeks applicants for the positions of Counsel II/Hearing Officers to perform the following duties:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has an exciting job opportunity for attorneys to join the DPU's Legal Division. The DPU aims to serve as a model for a modern utility commission, incorporating climate and equity into its mission, while ensuring reliable, safe, and affordable energy for Massachusetts citizens. Hearing Officers (Counsel II) work on teams overseeing the electric power, natural gas, and water industries, navigating the transition from the fossil-fuel reliant energy system of the past to the electrified, resilient, clean energy system of the future. This work is founded on new regulatory frameworks, creative policy and legal work, and robust engagement with the public. DPU Hearing Officers will develop the legal skills they need for a successful legal career, all while facilitating the energy transition that is essential to the future of the Commonwealth.

Hearing Officers work on a wide range of regulatory matters as part of a team with other attorneys and technical staff ( e.g. , analysts, engineers, economists). Proceedings include adjudications, rulemakings, and notices of inquiry. Typical cases involve multiple parties and require adjudication of complex legal and technical issues ( e.g. energy policy, new legislation, rate-setting). Good legal writers will excel in this position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Serving as case manager on Department proceedings. This includes establishing procedural schedules, conducting public hearings and evidentiary hearings, making written and oral rulings, and working with and coordinating the work of technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record as cases progress to the Commission;
• Preparing and presenting recommendations and draft orders to the Commission;
• Preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, and applicable law and precedent;
• Representing the Department in settlement negotiations of cases as needed, and in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar, and at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in administrative law, public utility law, energy policy, or environmental law is highly desirable;
• Teamwork and leadership, especially for teams involving technical and legal staff;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple cases and deadlines;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons at all levels;

• Applicants may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License to attend hearings, site visits, or other assignments. Occasional out-of-state travel may be required .

• The position includes the opportunity for hybrid-remote work.

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.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.