HEARINGS OFFICER/STAFF ATTORNEY

State of New Hampshire

Concord (NH)

On-site

USD 51,000 - 70,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Job summary

The State of New Hampshire, Public Utilities Commission seeks a Hearing Officer/Staff Attorney to conduct hearings and provide legal counsel on complex dockets. The role requires strong judicial and analytical skills and active NH Bar membership.

This full-time position emphasizes rulemaking, coordination of the Clerk’s Office, and advising Commissioners on legal matters across state and federal statutes and FERC/ISO procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 8.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 12.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school.
Must include at least 5.5 years of experience in the practice of law.
Active member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in good standing

Responsibilities

Conducts prehearing examinations and hearings to define issues, qualify exhibits, rule on motions and admissibility of evidence.
Performs advanced legal research and analysis of precedent law and background information, renders official opinions on state and federal statutes.
Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes pleadings, testimony, discovery, evidence, briefs, files, records, policies, Commission administrative rules, statutes, and court decisions.
Advises the Commissioners on interpretation of statutes, regulations, and procedures.
Drafts orders and notices for Commissioner review and approval that ensure legal correctness and conformity to approved form.
Assist in rulemaking and implementation of administrative rules; drafts proposed rule amendments.
Manages Commission Clerk’s Office staff by defining case processing metrics and ensuring accuracy.
Participates in administrative projects to improve Commission efficiency.
Drafts legislation and responds to legislative inquiries.

Education

Bachelor's degree

5.5 years of experience in the practice of law

Job description

HEARINGS OFFICER/STAFF ATTORNEY (Job ID: 53736)

State of New Hampshire, Public Utilities Commission

25 South Fruit Street, Suite 10, Concord, NH 03301

Position# 44818

$37.22/hour - $51.07/hour

*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Public Utilities Commission has a full-time vacancy for 23-1020 Admin Law Judges-6.

Job Summary

Conducts hearings and other proceedings, rules on motions, hears arguments of counsel and testimony. Provides legal counsel on complex, novel, and significant public utility dockets. Administers and coordinates supervisory, legal, and administrative activities for the Commission, including supervising rulemaking dockets; managing the Commission Clerk’s Office; advising Commissioners and Senior Advisors regarding legal and procedural matters; tracking, analyzing, drafting, and testifying regarding relevant legislation; and responding to inquiries from the public and media, including right-to-know requests.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 8.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 12.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Must include at least 5.5 years of experience in the practice of law.

License/Certification: None

Other Requirements: Must be an active member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in good standing

Trainee Option: Candidates with 4.5+ years of experience in the practice of law may be considered and hired in ’trainee status’ for this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association recognized law school
Practice of utility, energy, or administrative law
Thorough knowledge of common, statutory and constitutional laws of the state of New Hampshire, and Commission procedures and rules. Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and draft legal documents, and deal tactfully with staff, management, and external stakeholders

AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS

None

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No

Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No

DISCLAIMERS

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.

When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts prehearing examinations and hearings to define issues, qualify exhibits, rule on motions and admissibility of evidence, explore areas of potential agreement between the parties, hear arguments of counsel, and hear testimony.

Performs advanced legal research and analysis of precedent law and background information, renders official opinions on state and federal statutes, and determines relevant legal authority to ensure correct interpretation and application of legal authority, enabling Commissioners to make appropriate decisions that conform to applicable rules and laws.

Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes pleadings, testimony, discovery, evidence, briefs, files, records, policies, Commission administrative rules, statutes, and court decisions; assists in the development of Commission positions and preparation for hearings; recommends responses to legal, policy, and administrative inquiries by, and to, Commissioners and Commission staff.

Advises the Commissioners on the interpretation of federal and state statutes, regulations, judicial precedents, and FERC and ISO/RTO procedures, rules, and tariffs.

Drafts orders, orders of notice, procedural orders, and other materials for Commissioner review and approval that ensure legal correctness, factual accuracy, and conformity to Commission-approved form, style, and substantive language.

Assist in the rulemaking process and the implementation of Commission administrative rules; renders legal interpretations of agency rules and regulations; and drafts proposed rule amendments to implement statutory direction and the fulfillment of agency objectives, as well as to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Assists in managing the Commission Clerk’s Office staff by: defining case processing metrics; reviewing filings for compliance with Commission administrative rules; monitoring case processing; reviewing and dispositioning incoming filings; managing Commission dockets; and ensuring continuous improvement in the procedures used by the Clerk’s Office, as well as reviewing work for accuracy, developing work methods, resolving personnel problems, and conducting performance appraisals.

Participates in various administrative projects to improve Commission efficiency, including committee work, reviewing contracts, and overseeing the development of Commission policies and procedures.

Drafts legislation, monitors proposed legislation, serves as the Commission’s representative when presenting testimony before legislative committees on proposed legislation, responds to legislature for additional research and reports, analyzes legislation, and advises the Commission regarding the impact of legislative changes.

Responds to right-to-know requests and public inquiries to ensure the proper release of records in a timely manner and in compliance with New Hampshire law.

Performs such powers and duties assigned to the Department that may be delegated to the hearings examiner. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Contact Information

For further information please contact Diana Fenton, Esq., PUC/SEC Administrator at Diana.E.Fenton1@puc.nh.gov or 603-271-2429.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits

The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement

12.87% of pay

Other Benefits