Legal Counsel – Counsel II

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

 Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

About DOER

The Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) mission is to create a clean, affordable, resilient, and equitable energy future for all in the Commonwealth. As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure. To meet our objectives, DOER connects and collaborates with energy stakeholders to develop effective policy. DOER implements this policy through planning, regulation, and providing funding. DOER provides tools to individuals, organizations, and communities to support their clean energy goals. DOER is committed to transparency and education, supporting the accessible access to energy information and knowledge.

The Green Communities Division provides grants, technical assistance, and local support to help municipalities reduce energy use and costs by implementing clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools. The Green Communities Division serves all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns by providing technical assistance and financial support for clean energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen local economies. Over 90 percent of the Commonwealth's population resides in designated Green Communities. The benefits of designation extend beyond the program itself, inspiring cities and towns to undertake additional energy-related initiatives, improve coordination between municipal staff and departments, and increase messaging with the public at large about energy and climate-related issues and actions. 

Job Description

The Department of Energy Resources seeks a Legal Counsel to join its Legal Division. This position will provide legal representation and support to the agency across the complete range of the agency’s duties and obligations. The Legal Counsel will support administration of the DOER’s statutory and regulatory responsibilities and participate in legal aspects of matters across the agency as part of a team with other attorneys as well as technical and policy staff.  This includes administrative proceedings before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), as well as other matters involving the energy industry in the Commonwealth. This position will also participate as legal counsel in adjudications and other proceedings, which have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues (e.g., energy policy, incentive programs, greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, siting and permitting rules and requirements, and legislation).  This position requires a substantial amount of legal analysis and writing.

Responsibilities:

• Present legal recommendations to DOER staff and senior management.

• Manage rulemaking processes and compliance with applicable provisions of G. L. Ch. 30A.

• Represent the agency in interventions before other administrative agencies.

• Represent the Department, as part of a team, in proceedings before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities as well as other administrative agencies, including preparing comments, pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery and responses to discovery, witness preparation, cross-examination questions, and related adjudicatory responsibilities.

• Present recommendations and draft documents, pleadings, comments, briefs and other regulatory filings for and on behalf of the Department.

• Prepare legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent.

• Participate in all aspects of contracting services, including contract drafting, review, negotiation, and review of contracts and contract amendments.

• Respond to requests for public records by analyzing and preparing responses.

• Research and draft legislation to amend applicable statutes as necessary.

• Keep up to date on relevant statutes, regulations, case law, and other legal and policy issues relevant to or affecting the DOER’s procedures and responsibilities.

• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple work streams.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and consultants.

• Experience in energy or environmental law, administrative law, or public utility law.

• Knowledge of state law governing regulatory proceedings.

• Knowledge of Ch. 30A, the Administrative Procedures Act.

• General knowledge of clean/renewable energy technologies and Massachusetts’ clean energy goals.

• General knowledge of legal concepts at the intersection of state and federal law.

Note: DOER has also posted a Counsel I position for the same role – applicants with 3+ years of legal experience should apply for Counsel II. Candidates with less than 3 years’ legal experience should apply for Counsel I. DOER will be hiring one (1) candidate for this legal position – either a Counsel I or Counsel II, based on years of relevant legal experience.  

Please provide a Resume and a Cover Letter describing your interest in the position as attachments marked “as relevant” to your application. 

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.