Part-Time, Hourly & Telecommute Friendly Attorney Advocate Opening: Independent Consumer Advocate for the The Metropolitan District of Hartford County (MDC)

The Office of Consumer Counsel seeks applications to fill the role of Independent Consumer Advocate (ICA) for the Metropolitan District of Hartford County (MDC) for a two-year term. The ICA advocates for consumer interests in all matters which may MDC consumers, including, but not limited to, rates, water quality, water supply and wastewater service quality. This position is authorized pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 7-334a, as amended by Public Act 24-98. This is a flexible, part-time (based on hourly compensation), and remote-work friendly position for two years, subject to renewal.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The ICA may appear and participate in MDC matters or any other federal or state regulatory or judicial proceeding in which the interest of MDC consumers are or may be involved.
• MDC's board of directors does not direct or oversee the activities of the ICA and is required to cooperate with reasonable requests of the ICA to enable the ICA to effectively perform his or her duties and functions.
• The ICA prepares quarterly reports to the MDC, the chief elected official of each town receiving service from MDC and to the Consumer Counsel.
• The ICA holds an annual public forum on the second Wednesday of October each year at a location where MDC holds hearings, to inform the public regarding the recent activities of the ICA and to receive feedback from consumers. The ICA may hold additional public forums as he or she deems necessary.

Qualifications (required by statute):

• member of the bar of Connecticut
• legal experience in municipal, environmental or public utility law and policy (*note no minimum number of years required)
• ICA cannot be a member of MDC's board of directors or a person who has or may have conflicts of interest, as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct, in representing MDC's consumers as a class.

Compensation:

The ICA will be paid monthly by the MDC based on billable hours invoiced to OCC and MDC, with explanation of services provided. Total annual compensation not to exceed $70,000, unless there is a demonstration of substantial need made by the ICA and approved by the board of commissioners of MDC.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter describing the candidate’s relevant experience, including but not limited to any experience in municipal, public utility law and policy or consumer advocacy; and two references.

Applications should be submitted via email to:

Veronica.Maas@ct.gov and Claire.E.Coleman@ct.gov

Consumer Counsel

Claire E. Coleman

c/o Veronica Maas

Office of Consumer Counsel

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, CT 06051-2605

Applications received by November 15, 2024, will receive priority, but OCC will accept rolling applications until a qualified, interested candidate is identified.

Prior to finalization of selection, candidates will be required to submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee a written certification that the candidate does not have any conflicts of interest, as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct, in representing MDC consumers as a class.

The Consumer Counsel, appointed pursuant to Section16-2a of the General Statutes, shall select the ICA to serve for a two-year term. The ICA may be terminated by the Consumer Counsel prior to the completion of a two-year term only for misconduct, material neglect of duty or incompetence.

The MDC seeks to enhance the diversity of its workforce. People of color, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V