Deputy General Counsel

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Benefit Plans

15 Sick Days, 12 Vacation Days

Public Student Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

A governmental agency in Trenton is seeking a Deputy General Counsel to manage the Office of the General Counsel and provide legal advice on regulatory matters. The role involves supervising a team, drafting legal documents, and interfacing with various state and federal departments. Candidates must have a Juris Doctor degree and five to seven years of legal experience, with a preference for those knowledgeable in energy or regulatory issues. The position offers generous benefits and the possibility of telework.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree and licensed to practice law in New Jersey or ability to become a New Jersey-licensed attorney.
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years as a practicing attorney, one (1) of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience in energy or regulatory matters is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the Office of the General Counsel.
• Provide legal advice on regulatory matters and prepare for Board meetings.
• Draft analysis of pending or proposed legislation and coordinate with legislative staff.

Skills

Legal research

Policy analysis

Interpersonal skills

Excellent writing

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree

Job description

TITLE: DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL (LEGAL SPECIALIST)

SALARY: $160,000.00

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under direction of the General Counsel or other supervisory position, assists in managing and directing the Office of the General Counsel, and is responsible for performing confidential legislative, legal, and policy‑influencing research related to utility regulation and various Board initiatives and programs, in conformance with guidelines established by the State Attorney General. Along with the General Counsel, manages a team of Regulatory Attorneys, Interns and Assistants. Acts as liaison between the BPU and multiple state and federal departments. Interfaces with the Office of the Attorney General in receiving, formulating, and transmitting requests for legal advice on behalf of the BPU; prepares reports, comments and recommendations on various utility‑related issues including but not limited to rulemakings, utility‑impacting matters in the federal arena, proposed or existing legislation; and handles other such functions, duties and related work as required.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Board's Senior Staff, renders legal advice on all regulatory matters. Brief Commissioners to prepare for Board meetings, providing detailed information on policies and legal foundations of staff recommendations. Assists in the day‑to‑day operations of the Counsel’s Office, including managing Regulatory Officers in the office. Provides legal review and analysis for consideration of policy matters to the President, Commissioners and Staff on all matters, and ensures that draft orders, memoranda, and other instruments prepared by Staff are in conformance with Board policy and procedures. Draft analysis of pending or proposed legislation and coordinate legislative affairs with Governor’s staff and with legislative staff or individual legislators. Collaborates with technical Staff and the Division of Law to prepare, analyze and draft agency decisions memorializing the findings and opinions of the Commissioners. Assists in drafting and reviewing rules and regulations; provides support as needed for rulemakings. In coordination with technical Staff and the Division of Law, prepare, analyze and draft Board Decisions, Orders and memoranda including analysis, findings, conclusions and recommendations for Board action. Assist the Division of Law by reviewing legal pleadings. Prepare formal reports, memoranda and other extensive official correspondence. Responsible for consultation, discussion and representation of the Board before State and Federal agencies and multi‑state groups on energy and clean energy issues, as well as other utility related issues. Keep apprised of proceedings and developments at PJM and FERC to determine the impact on New Jersey and assist the Division of Law’s advocacy before federal agencies such as FERC and RTOs such as PJM. Serve as a Hearing Officer. Presides over public municipal consent hearings; demonstrates understanding of the rules of practice and the scope of the statutory authority delegated to hearing officers pursuant to Title 48 and Board orders.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited law school with Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree and licensed to practice law in New Jersey or ability to become a New Jersey‑licensed attorney.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) to Seven (7) years as a practicing attorney, one (1) of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

PREFERENCE: Preference will be given to attorneys with experience involving energy, clean energy or regulatory matters, drafting rules, regulations and/or legislation, familiarity with OPRA and OPMA, and the application of government policies, rules and regulations. Experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply. Specific experience in a subject matter regulated by the Board is preferred. The Board specifically welcomes applications from attorneys that have taken a non‑traditional path to their law degree, as well as those who followed a more conventional route. The candidate must be an excellent writer, with strong interpersonal skills, together with proven ability to work as part of a cross‑functional team.

RESUME NOTE: Eligibility determination will be based upon information presented on the resume and/or education documents provided. Applicants who possess foreign degrees (degrees earned outside of the U.S.) are required to provide an evaluation indicating the U.S. equivalency prior to the closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

BENEFITS

• Health and Dental Benefit Plans
• 15 Sick, 12 Vacation and 3 Administrative Leave Days
• Telework available for some positions* (Pursuant to the BPU’s policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.)
• Flexible and Health Savings Accounts
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness
• Paid Leave for Military Training

HOURS OF WORK

The hours of work for this position are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All No Limit (NL) titles will be required to perform work beyond the stated hours of work as needed, in compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and laws.

TELEWORK

This position may be eligible to participate in the Department's pilot Telework Program/Policy, which offers eligible employees the opportunity to work remotely up to two (2) days per week, if approved by management per operational needs, subject to all requirements of the Department’s Telework Program/Policy. For questions regarding Telework eligibility, please ask during the interview process if selected for an interview.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification forms upon hire. Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services Regulations. The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for citizenships or Visas to the United States.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: The “New Jersey First Act,” N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70) effective September 1, 2011, contains new residency requirements for public officers and employees, unless exempted under the law. Current, new, or prospective employees should be aware of the following: Effective September 1, 2011, all employees of State and local government must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law. Current, new, or prospective employees should be aware of the following: Effective September 1, 2011, all employees of State and local government must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law. If you already work for the State or local government as of September 1, 2011, and you do not live in New Jersey, you are not required to move to New Jersey. However, if you begin your office, position, or employment on September 1, 2011, or later, you must reside in New Jersey. If you do not reside in New Jersey, you have one year after the date you take your office, position, or employment to relocate your residence to New Jersey. If you do not do so, you are subject to removal from your office, position, or employment. For more information, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/research-info/njfirst.shtml

STATE AS A MODEL EMPLOYER (SAME) APPLICANTS

If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non‑competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please email or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Cover letter/letter of interest indicating the posting number
• Proof of degree (a copy of your final official/unofficial transcripts and/or foreign degree evaluation)
• A complete State of NJ Employment Application and Personal Relationships Disclosure Form (www.nj.gov/bpu/about/employment)

All documents must be submitted via email at [e-mail] (Subject line must include the specific job posting number).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.