Counsel II/Hearing Officers

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Public Utilities is seeking a Counsel II to oversee legal proceedings in the energy sector. This hybrid role involves managing cases, conducting hearings, and ensuring compliance with regulations while promoting a clean energy future for Massachusetts. Ideal candidates will have strong legal writing skills and experience in public utility law.

Benefits

Employee Benefits

Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of professional legal experience.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as case manager on Department proceedings.
• Prepare and present recommendations to the Commission.
• Conduct public hearings and evidentiary hearings.

Skills

Legal Writing

Teamwork

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Who We Are:
EEA (Revised and approved) The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEAworks tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents

Job Opening:

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

The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for the positions of Counsel II

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.

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. Counsels in the DPU’s Legal Division act as Hearing Officers and 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, and 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 with other attorneys and technical staff (e.g., analysts, engineers, economists). Proceedings include adjudications, rulemakings, and other administrative inquiries.Typical cases involve multiple parties and require adjudication of complex legal and technical issues (e.g., rate-setting, procedural motions, new legislation).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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong legal writing experience
• 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 is a hybrid role model.

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.

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.

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.

Official Title : Counsel II

Primary Location

Job

Job

: Legal Services

Agency

Agency

: Department of Public Utilities

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

Job Posting

: May 13, 2025, 6:23:57 PM

Number of Openings

Number of Openings

: 2

Salary

: 86,770.58 - 126,590.10 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie - 6178723270

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes