Deputy Counsel, NS-M6

Responsibilities

The Deputy Counsel, NS-M6, in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) will work under the general direction of the Department’s General Counsel and be part of OGC’s management team that assists and advises the General Counsel on policy and strategic management issues. The Deputy Counsel will also personally direct complex policy cases, stakeholder outreach, and negotiations of high importance, as well as perform additional duties that include, but are not limited to, the management of the following tasks:

• Assisting the General Counsel in the supervision of one or more of the sections of OGC, the Records Access Officer, Legislative Counsel, Excelsior Fellows, legal interns, and administrative support staff across different office locations.
• Supervising OGC Staff and working with other Department Offices regarding the review and resolution by the Public Service Commission (Commission) of administrative appeals concerning consumer complaints, implementation of utility tariffs, regulations, uniform business practices, and Commission orders related to consumer protection issues; proactively identifying trends in consumer cases that may be pertinent to staff initiatives, tariff reviews, declaratory rulings, audit reviews, investigations, regulatory updates, legislative amendments, or other appropriate action.
• Having responsibility for legal issues including, but not limited to, tax law, energy assistance programs, consumer protection, or special projects.
• Coordinating OGC efforts concerning employee interviews, hiring, and training, and institutional controls and internal governance policies.
• Appearing on behalf of the Department and supervising those making such appearances in proceedings held before the Commission and other State agencies.
• Appearing on behalf of the Department in State or federal court litigation as necessary.
• Researching and interpreting complex areas of regulatory law, Commission decisions and business, and economic policies.
• Providing advice to the Commission on behalf of the General Counsel and preparing memoranda on legal issues related to actions of the Commission.
• Assisting and reviewing recommendations to the Commission from other offices to ensure their legality, clarity, and supporting bases and information.
• Participating as part of the Department's advisory staff in administrative proceedings before the Commission.
• Supervising those responsible for drafting orders and other documents to effectuate and implement Commission decisions.
• Ensuring that all Commission processes are carried out lawfully in conformance with the procedural requirements of the Public Service Law, the State Administrative Procedure Act, the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and the Public Officers Law.
• Fostering a culture of professionalism in all work.
• Applying first‑class interpersonal and communication skills and working collaboratively with Department Directors and Executive Staff.

Law degree from an accredited law school, admission to, and current member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and eight years of relevant post‑bar experience.

• Experience in the field of utility services or regulation, litigation or consumer protection experience, or administrative law experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.
• Experience in project management.
• Proficient at leading teams and committees.
• Willingness to maintain an in-office presence to interact with and provide counsel to OGC staff and other Department Offices on evolving legal and policy matters.

The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) works to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for residential and commercial customers, while protecting the environment. Consistent with this mission, the Department seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via the transmission and siting of renewable energy resources and augment the resiliency of utility infrastructure.

Learn more about DPS…