Director of Environmental Legal Counsel

State of Connecticut - DEEP Commissioner's Office; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) seeks an Office Director (Legal) for the Office of Legal Counsel to guide environmental statutes, regulations, and enforcement matters. This is a senior role directing a legal team in a major state agency.

The Director provides legal guidance, drafts regulatory and statutory documents, and leads enforcement strategies across Air, Water Protection and Land Reuse programs, ensuring compliance and funding

Qualifications

• Experience guiding legal issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to draft memos, briefs, decisions for proceedings.
• Proven leadership in legal teams and project management.
• Familiarity with administrative procedures and regulations.
• Experience in state or federal proceedings.
• Ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to achieve objectives.
• Experience drafting or reviewing contracts.
• Experience drafting legislation or regulations and engaging stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance to support program goals in air, water, waste, and climate initiatives.
• Draft and implement statutes and regulations affecting health and environment.
• Manage overlapping federal/state jurisdiction to maintain funding eligibility.
• Assist with permitting and enforcement matters for consistent application of requirements.
• Communicate with Governor, AG, OPM and agencies on policy and strategy discussions.
• Support enforcement efforts including consent orders and negotiations.
• Manage a team of attorneys with similar responsibilities.

Skills

Legal leadership

Regulatory drafting

Contract negotiation

Team management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Connecticut Bar Admission or eligibility

Job description

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) seeks an Office Director (Legal) for the Office of Legal Counsel to guide environmental statutes, regulations, and enforcement matters. This is a senior role directing a legal team in a major state agency.

The Director provides legal guidance, drafts regulatory and statutory documents, and leads enforcement strategies across Air, Water Protection and Land Reuse programs, ensuring compliance and funding