Job Description
The new address of this position will be 1 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 in 2025.
About the Organization:
The Department of Telecommunications and Cable ("DTC"), an Agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), regulates the telecommunications and cable industries in accordance with statutory obligations imposed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government. The Department's mission is to: Oversee the telecommunications and cable industries in accordance with the statutory obligations imposed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government; work to ensure that consumers receive high-quality communications at just and reasonable rates; promote sustainable competition which will increase the welfare of all Massachusetts residents and businesses; maintain and enforce consumer protections, consistent with the public interest, particularly where market forces alone are not sufficient to do so, including investigating and responding to inquiries and complaints from consumers, providers, carriers, and other interested parties; and provide expert input into the development of telecommunications- and cable-related policies for the Commonwealth and the federal government.
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The Department of Telecommunications and Cable is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Department of Telecommunications and Cable values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
The Department of Telecommunications and Cable is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.
About the Role:
The Counsel I will serve as a Hearing Officer on rulemaking dockets, including performing legal research, compiling the administrative record, presiding at administrative hearings, and drafting orders. The Counsel I will supervise the work of analysts in the Competition Division, who will advise the Counsel I on the technical aspects of each rulemaking.
The Counsel I will also participate in the policy work of the Department, such as contributing to Federal Communications Commission comments, state legislative matters, and inter-agency collaborations. The Counsel I will conduct legal research on a wide range of telecommunication issues and draft internal memoranda as assigned by the General Counsel.
Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)
- Represent the Department as a hearing officer at administrative hearings. Duties include fully preparing for hearings by evaluating and compiling the evidentiary record; ruling on motions and objections; conducting cross-examination at hearings in a thorough, organized, and professional manner; and determining the legal strategy to be used in resolution of cases. The Counsel I is responsible for ensuring that hearings run smoothly and that proper procedures are followed.
- Review and draft orders that are supported by evidence and that thoroughly and accurately apply relevant legal precedent.
- Submit timely information requests, which are clearly written, comprehensive, and consistent with standard format.
- Monitor activities at other state commissions, the FCC, NTIA, NARUC, Congress, etc. and assist in drafting and reviewing comments representing Department positions. Recommend participation in FCC proceedings and action (opposition or support) for proposed federal legislation deemed to have a significant impact on Massachusetts' broadband, telecommunications, and cable markets and consumers.
- Draft public filings (e.g., FCC Comments), regulations, and legal memoranda on a range of legal and policy topics, including but not limited to, broadband, telecommunications, and cable.
- Draft and review legislation, regulations, and industry publications concerning issues that affect the Department. Contribute to the development of Department policy and precedent by effectively participating in Department projects and cases, and by performing legal and policy analysis and making recommendations.
- Keep up to date on the current state of the law, especially regarding broadband, telecommunications, and cable. Develop and maintain a detailed familiarity with industry issues, through research, discussion with senior staff, other Department staff, and industry members. Review court decisions and newly enacted state and federal regulations. Conduct legal and policy research and provide advice on broadband, telecommunications, and cable matters.
- Work cooperatively with members of the Legal, Competition, Consumer, and Administrative Divisions to prepare informative, well-written, and well-reasoned memoranda for the Commissioner and senior staff examining proposed and newly enacted laws, regulations, and policies to explain how current Massachusetts policies may be affected.
- Work collaboratively with the Department's staff and other Massachusetts agencies including EOED, OCABR, MTC, MBI, EOPSS, EOTSS, the State 911 Department, Department of Public Utilities, and the Office of the Attorney General.
- Be able to work independently by thoroughly reviewing and analyzing filings and other data submitted by parties or obtained independently. Conduct assigned ongoing project work in a thorough, comprehensive, accurate, and timely manner. Keep senior staff informed of issues requiring their attention.
- Interact with parties' counsel, industry lobbyists and other representatives in a professional manner.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
- Strict attention to detail.
- Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of law methods including ability to conduct legal research.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
- Ability to effectively communicate clearly and logically, in both oral and written forms.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively with diverse groups of people and cross-functional project teams.
- Capacity to exercise discretion in safeguarding information through compliance with rules of disclosure.
All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.
SALARY PLACEMENT IS DETERMINED BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSITION AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION'S RECRUITING GUIDELINES. IN THE CASE OF A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, THE SALARY PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL APPLY TO (OR WILL BE UTILIZED FOR) PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SALARY RANGE.
Qualifications
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 some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
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.
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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.