Candidates must have a law degree from an accredited law school and admission to, and be a member in good standing of, the New York State Bar, and should have 4 years of post-bar experience in litigation/administrative law, preferably in the energy and environmental sectors.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates should have prior litigation/administrative law experience, along with strong writing, communication and research skills. Experience in administrative hearings is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates that have experience in siting of major transmission and/or generation projects under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, Public Service Law (PSL) Article VII and/or PSL Article 10.
Duties Description The Associate Counsel will handle a portfolio of complex cases on behalf of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) and will be primarily responsible for assisting in the review of “major renewable energy facility” applications for determining completeness with ORES policies and regulations, publishing for comment draft siting permit conditions, participating in public adjudicatory and non-adjudicatory hearings, and drafting written summary of public comments and assessing comments received on applications. Incumbents will independently represent ORES in judicial proceedings, perform the full range of legal activities in support of ORES; serve as a legal advisor to the ORES staff; may prepare and present cases before quasi-judicial or administrative bodies.
Specific duties include:
• Maintain proficiency in knowledge of applicable ORES laws, procedures, policies, and rules, perform legal research and apply legal analysis to complex technical and policy issues, and promote the mission, policies, and strategic objectives of ORES.
• Consult with appropriate State agency staffs.
• Explain ORES policies and objectives to representatives of stakeholders, and, upon request, make oral presentations or moderate panels at conferences and public forums.
• Represent views of ORES at meetings, discussions, and negotiations.
• Prepare or review and edit draft responses to letters signed by the ORES Staff.
• Appear for and on behalf of ORES in administrative and legal proceedings, provide leadership on team, organize and ensure effectiveness of interrogatories, assist in preparation of direct testimony, provide coaching for witnesses (testimony and cross-examination), conduct cross-examination, and represent ORES staff in adjudicatory proceedings.
• Negotiate and prepare various legal documents such as permits, comments, briefs, proposals, and statements in support.
• Assist or personally prepare and present arguments at judicial and administrative proceedings, and draft findings, permits, or decisions.
• May present or try cases at proceedings by preparing opening statements and summations, arguing motions, examining witnesses, consulting with parties to the proceeding, examining evidence, preparing briefs, negotiating settlement, preparing appeals, and advising superiors.
• Recommend changes in or propose new agency rules, regulations, and policies.
• Draft legal actions to enforce laws, rules, regulations, and policy.
• Collect fees for services rendered by ORES, and review claims and approve payments.
Additional Comments This position will be located in Albany or White Plains.
ORES is instrumental in helping New York State meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) policy goals, the most ambitious climate legislation in the United States. The office is responsible for implementing and executing a streamlined permitting process for renewable energy projects in New York State greater than 25 MW, and any projects 20 MW and above that opt into the siting process administered by ORES. The process is streamlined to decrease the time from application to approval for construction to a maximum of one year.
The Department of State is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability status, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other category protected by law.
We are happy to provide reasonable and religious accommodations during the hiring process for those in need. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please send a request to HRM.Recruitment@dos.ny.gov.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Nate Keiper
Telephone 5184742752
Fax (518) 402-3656
Email Address HRM.Recruitment@dos.ny.gov
Address
Street 99 Washington Avenue
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12232
Notes on Applying Please include a resume and/or cover letter when applying.