Director, Environmental Legal Counsel

State of Connecticut; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), invites applications for the Office Director (Legal) position in the Office of Legal Counsel. This senior role provides legal leadership to the Environmental Conservation Branch, supporting the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and 300 staff across BNR and BOR.

You will guide litigation strategy, draft and negotiate partnerships, advise on regulations and legislation, and ensure protective management of natural

Qualifications

• Experience communicating to legal and programmatic stakeholders, including drafting memoranda, briefs, and opinions for judicial or administrative proceedings.
• Experience leading teams and managing projects, including reviewing work product and performance of legal personnel.
• Experience with administrative processes and the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, including drafting/regulating and handling appeals.
• Experience in administrative or judicial proceedings in state or federal forums; collaboration with subject matter experts to achieve client objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal support to the Office of the Commissioner focused on wildlife, fisheries, forests, parks, boating, Environmental Conservation Police, and related programs.
• Supports RFIs/RFPs for private partnerships to provide public services on DEEP managed properties; may involve leases and concession agreements.
• Advises on claims involving death, personal injury, and property damage before the Claims Commissioner or courts, in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office.
• Offers legal advice on legislative, regulatory, and administrative matters affecting EC Branch programs.
• Provides guidance on real estate, land use, public safety, and related transactional matters, including personal services and property management.

Skills

Legal communication

Team leadership

Regulatory proceedings

Administrative experience

Contract drafting

Legislation drafting

Partnership development

Public/private partnerships

Job description

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), invites applications for the Office Director (Legal) position in the Office of Legal Counsel. This senior role provides legal leadership to the Environmental Conservation Branch, supporting the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and 300 staff across BNR and BOR.

You will guide litigation strategy, draft and negotiate partnerships, advise on regulations and legislation, and ensure protective management of natural