Counsel II

Who We Are:

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

Who We Serve:

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

Job Opening\:

The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for a Counsel II to perform the following duties:

• Draft regulations and legislation as assigned
• Provide legal advice to the Assistant General Counsel, Director of Pipeline Safety Division, or assigns.
•  Assist or review policy initiatives proposed by the Assistant General Counsel, Division Director or assigns
• Give legal guidance to Pipeline Staff for matters before the Division
• Draft regulations and legislation as assigned 
• Provide legal advice to the Assistant General Counsel, Director of the Pipeline Safety Division, or assigns 
• Assist or review policy initiatives proposed by the Assistant General Counsel, Division Director or assigns.
• Give legal guidance to Pipeline Staff for matters before the Division.

Serve as Division counsel in proceedings before the Division. 

• Provides legal guidance on procedural and technical conferences and evidentiary hearings
• Manages assigned duties and progress, Conducts legal research 
• Presents information recommendations and offers legal advice at deliberative hearings of the Division
• Works with and coordinates the work of technical analysts in preparing draft orders for the Division 
• Represents the Division on appeals of Division orders, 
• Interprets laws, rules, regulations, and judicial or quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to the Division’s operations
• Prepares legal research and memoranda on the Division’s jurisdiction, procedures, and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent, 
• Other duties as assigned perform duties that benefit the Department and Pipeline Safety Division

Perform duties that benefit the Department and/or Pipeline Safety Division

• Trains Division staff on ethic laws and regulations on an annual basis or for new staff
• Maintains and monitors the Division’s website’s legal content
• Develops and implements agency policy initiatives 
• Reviews and drafts reports for the annual Legislative Report
• Represents the Division in negotiations and settlement of Division enforcement actions 
• Provides information to the public and other agencies, Attends training seminars and conferences as directed
• Negotiates with legal staff of other agencies to develop memoranda of agreement concerning joint programs
• Research and review draft pertaining legislative bills and proposals as they pertain to the Division
• Prepares pipeline safety regulations and rulemaking dockets, 
• Other duties as assigned

Tell us about a friend who might be interested in this job. All privacy rights will be protected.

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.

Comprehensive Benefits

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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.

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