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Senior Counsel

State of Maine

Hallowell, Maine

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$97,281.60–$137,883.20
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Attorney, Economics, Electricity, Federal Laws and Regulations, Legal, Legal Briefs, Legal Research, Litigation, Maintenance - Electrical, Natural Gas, Negotiation Skills, Policy Development, Problem Solving Skills, Public Accounting, Public Policy, Regulations, State Laws and Regulations, Technical Editing, Telecommunications, Work From Home
LOCATION
Hallowell, Maine
POSTED
30+ days ago
If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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Office of the Public Advocate

-Anticipated Vacancy-

Opening Date: May 26, 2026

Closing Date: June 09, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit: 37 / Confidential

Job Class Code: OC04

Salary: $97,281.60 - $137,883.20/Annually

Position Number: 004250764

Location: Hallowell

Telework: Telework is available with the option to work remotely approximately 50% of the time.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

OVERVIEW:

The State of Maine, Executive Department, Office of the Public Advocate (OPA), represents the interests of Maine users of utility services, including electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunications.

We are seeking an experienced attorney for the anticipated vacant position of Senior Counsel. As Senior Counsel, you will represent consumers in electricity, natural gas, telecommunications and water proceedings before the Maine Public Utilities Commission and applicable federal regulatory bodies; both individually and in collaboration with other OPA attorneys and consultants. In addition, you will assist in developing policy positions and consumer information for the Office's advocacy before the Maine Legislature and to the public at large.

The following website provides information on the Office of the Public Advocate, State of Maine: http://www.maine.gov/meopa/

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
  • Represents the Public Advocate in contested cases before the Public Utilities Commission; analyzes requests from utilities and the public for Commission action.
  • Coordinates the work of staff members and outside consultants employed as expert witnesses; acts as trial attorney in Commission hearings, including preparing and filing testimony, presenting direct evidence, cross-examining witnesses, making oral argument on issues of fact, law, procedure; and researches and writes briefs and exceptions to examiners' reports.
  • Initiates complaints against utilities on behalf of consumers, as necessary, in cases of broad public impact.
  • Represents the Public Advocate in negotiating settlement in Commission cases; analyzes requests from consumers and utilities for Commission action; formulates and prepares positions on the issues, with assistance from other professional staff and expert consultants; participates in negotiations with utility attorneys, PUC staff attorneys and intervenor attorneys in resolving issues to avoid litigation.
  • Represents the Public Advocate through appellate briefs and oral argument before the Supreme Judicial Court in appellate cases evolving from Commission orders or other action in which the Commission has an interest.
  • Interprets federal and state law as it affects utility operations and activities, and advises the Public Advocate, Governor and others thereof. Informs the press of Public Advocate policy and utility matters in general.
  • Meets with consumer groups, members of Governor's staff, members of other state agencies (particularly the Governor's Office of Energy) to develop and formulate positions on continuing utility issues.
  • Drafts legislation and makes oral and written statements of the Public Advocate's position before appropriate Legislative Committees.
  • Research, drafts and comments on rules for the Commission; reviews and analyzes written and oral comments on proposed rules submitted by utilities and the public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of PUC regulations
  • Knowledge of Federal/State laws and rules regarding utility regulations
  • Knowledge of legal concepts and practices, court procedures, and rules of civil procedure and evidence
  • Ability to compose, review, and edit complex and/or technical legal correspondence
  • Ability to perform legal research and analysis, to prepare written legal briefs, motions, responses, and memoranda, to present oral arguments, and to make recommendations on policy
  • Skilled trial attorney and negotiator with extensive knowledge of public utilities accounting and economics
  • Good interpersonal skills for dealing with the public and press
  • Demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team; and have strong legal advocacy, research,

About the Company

S

State of Maine