Closing Date: 24th February, 2026
Description:
The State of New Hampshire, Office of the Consumer Advocate has a full-time vacancy for 23-1010 Lawyers-3.Summary:
To implement the agency's legal strategy and analysis of complex legal issues arising in the regulated utilities industries, and to assist the Consumer Advocate in complex regulatory proceedings in order to promote the goal that residential utility consumers receive reliable utility service at reasonable rates.
Your Experience Counts: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Experience: Equivalent combination of 11 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and Experience must be in the fields of law.
License/Certification: Valid driver's license and/or access to transportation for statewide travel.
Other Requirements: Four years' experience in active practice of law. Must be a member of the NH Bar Association and in Good Standing. Have a J.D. from a recognized law school.
Trainee Option: Candidates with an equivalent combination of 10+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school may be considered and hired in ‘trainee status' for this position.
Preferred Qualifications: None
After-Hire Requirements: None
Career Advancement Opportunities:
In-Band Advancement Available: ☐ Yes ☒ No
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: ☐ Yes ☒ No
Disclaimers:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
The work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
Formulates legal strategy on significant legal issues and recommends legal approach and direction to the Consumer Advocate on all issues involving residential utility customers.
Assists the Consumer Advocate with the oversight of all agency legal functions, including litigation, case management and litigation scheduling.
Assists the Consumer Advocate with complex regulatory litigation in order to advance the agency's goals, including negotiations with other parties to define issues, qualifying exhibits, formulating and defending motions, drafting data requests and objections to data requests, conducting direct and cross examinations of witnesses, making legal arguments, drafting legal memorandum and briefs, and directing agency witnesses during litigation.
Formulates appellate strategy following PUC rulings including decisions to appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court and performs the legal research and analysis of case law, statutes and constitutional provisions, in order to prepare legal briefs and arguments to all appellate bodies.
Supervises the legal support staff.
Analyzes proposed legislation and testifies before the legislature concerning bills affecting residential utility consumers. Provides supporting legal analysis on behalf of the agency.
Communicates with caonsumers and consumer groups regarding issues affecting them and the State's utilities.
For further information please contact Donald M. Kreis, Consumer Advocate at Donald.M.Kreis@oca.nh.gov or 603-271-1174.