Legal Career Center

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is responsible for regulatory oversight of investor-owned electric, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth.  In addition, the DPU regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, and transportation network companies.

Serve as Hearing Officer on agency proceedings regarding oversight of the electric power, natural gas and water industries in the Commonwealth. The Hearing Officer will work on complex regulatory matters as part of a team with other attorneys as well as technical staff (e.g., analysts, engineers, economists). Proceedings may be adjudications, rulemakings and notices of inquiry, may have multiple parties and involve complex legal and technical issues (e.g., rate-setting, energy policy, new legislation). This position involves a substantial amount of legal writing.

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

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• serving as case manager by establishing procedural schedule, conducting public hearings and evidentiary hearings, making written and oral rulings, and working with and coordinating the work of technical staff to ensure the development of a thorough record;
• preparing and presenting recommendations and draft orders to Commission;
• preparing legal research and/or memoranda on agency jurisdiction, procedures and standards, as well as on applicable law and precedent;
• representing the Department in settlement negotiations of cases as needed, and in interventions before other state and federal administrative agencies.

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.