Closing Date: 9th June, 2026
Description:
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.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 the interests of 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:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Application Instructions:
Please submit a cover letter, a legal writing sample and a current resume.
In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
Contact Information: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov
The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks as a condition of employment.
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 the interests of 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
- 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.
- 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, and others thereof.
- 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.
- Advises the Public Advocate on emerging policy issues related to electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications.
- Assists the Public Advocate and other staff members in developing consumer-facing educational materials related to utility service.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- 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
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team; and have strong legal advocacy, research, and writing skills. Good organizational and time management skills are essential.
- Knowledge of utility regulatory frameworks and principles
Minimum Qualifications:
- A successful candidate will have a minimum of four years of experience practicing law.
- Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing or capable of being admitted within a reasonable time.
- Preference will be given to those candidates with:
- Previous experience with state or federal utility regulation.
- Experience in litigation, practicing state or federal administrative law, or with professional experience or education in the fields of accounting, finance, engineering or economics
Application Instructions:
Please submit a cover letter, a legal writing sample and a current resume.
In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
Contact Information: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov
The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks as a condition of employment.