Job Description

　　The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is an adjudicatory agency overseen by a three-member Commission. It is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth. In addition, the DPU is charged with developing alternatives to traditional regulation, monitoring service quality, regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas, and the siting of energy facilities. The mission of the DPU is to ensure that consumers' rights are protected, and that utility companies are providing the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost. The DPU oversees the public safety from transportation and gas pipeline-related accidents, and the energy facilities siting process. The DPU seeks to promote safety, security, reliability of service, affordability, equity, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

　　A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

　　The primary purpose of the position of Assistant General Counsel is to assist the General Counsel in managing all legal and policy matters affecting an agency of approximately 200 persons working in all Divisions of the Department: Administration, Consumer Affairs, Electric Power, Legal, Natural Gas, Pipeline Safety, Rates and Revenue Requirements, Regional and Federal Affairs, Transportation Oversight, Rail Transit Safety, Transportation Network Company, and Siting. The technical staff includes attorneys, engineers, inspectors, economists, accountants, and analysts. The Assistant General Counsel also works closely with the Chief General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels on legal and policy matters.

　　RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

　　Assist in the formulation of policy in major restructuring initiatives in the electric and gas industries to provide more choice and lower costs to consumers in the Commonwealth.Assist in setting case priorities for the agency.Interview and recommend for hire, assign, train, manage, direct, and evaluate work performed by 3 Assistant General Counsel, approximately 16-18 staff attorneys, one to two paralegals and one to three legal intern(s), including hearings, written decisions, settlements, and negotiations, to ensure prompt and fair handling of all types of matters brought before the agency such as gas and electric restructuring, including divestiture and other compliance proceedings, review of municipal aggregation and competitive suppliers, affiliate transaction issues; performance-based incentive regulation, merger, financing, and rate cases.Review cases and make final legal and overall policy recommendations on matters decided by a five-member Commission appointed by the Governor, including adjudications, rulemakings, and general legal matters.Manage administrative matters concerning the processing of documents related to case matters and communications from legislators, cities and towns, and consumers.Coordinate work with other internal divisions related to case-tracking procedures, docketing procedures and the content and management of the Department's website.Confer with the Department of the Attorney General on certain Department cases appealed to the Supreme Judicial Court and federal District Court.Confer with other federal and state agencies and regulatory associations on issues of interest to the Department; andPerform all of General Counsel's duties as needed in his or her absence.

　　PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

　　Thorough knowledge of general laws relating to utilities, related state and Federal law, administrative law, constitutional law, and the Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure.Ability to analyze complex legal issues and to recommend their disposition.Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, orally and in writing.Ability to manage legal and technical teams to work effectively together, meet deadlines and resolve complex, often novel legal, technical, and policy issues.Ability to manage policy initiatives that affect the manner in which citizens of the Commonwealth will be provided utility and telecommunications services.Ability to problem solve.Knowledge of economic principles.Ability to handle novel and far-reaching cases that impact all citizens.Ability to negotiate and obtain consensus from groups with conflicting interest.

　　EXPERIENCE NECESSARY:

　　Law degree from an accredited law school.Member of the Massachusetts Bar.Three to five years of experience as a practicing utility, energy or telecommunications attorney with substantial administrative law experience.Experience selecting, training, and developing the skills of attorneys.Experience managing a staff of attorneys Experience managing a staff of attorneys.Experience reviewing performance and evaluating work of attorneys.Experience with resolving complex issues that require both technical and legal knowledge.Experience with creative problem solving.Experience with managing major policy initiatives from inception to reality.

　　Qualifications

　　MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

　　Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

　　Substitutions:

　　I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

　　II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

　　III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

　　IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

　　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.