GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Represents department in litigation, researches legal issues and prepares memoranda on pertinent legal topics as assigned by the General Counsel; performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the direction of the General Counsel. In the absence of the General Counsel, works under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Provides guidance and assistance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel's Office.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represents the Sheriff, the Department and departmental employees in litigation filed in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies;
- Responsible for all aspects of case management, from the commencement of the action through the appellate process, on cases assigned by the General Counsel;
- Acts as a special hearing officer on discipline proceedings and fact finding hearings as appointed by the General Counsel;
- Represents the Department in various labor relation, negotiations and arbitration proceedings;
- Reviews correspondence from opposing counsel and responds appropriately;
- Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of contract documents;
- Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of departmental policies;
- Researches and drafts legal memoranda regarding legal issues relating to the Department;
- Investigates and reports on incidents/issues as assigned by the General Counsel;
- Responds to public record requests and civil subpoenas sent to the Department;
- Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned; and
- Performs such additional duties as the Sheriff or designee may assign from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts and Federal Court systems;
- Familiarity with the criminal justice system;
- Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written form;
- Working knowledge of and skill at interviewing techniques;
- Ability to present effective oral arguments;
- Ability to perform legal research and prepare memos and briefs;
- Experience in civil litigation;
- Admission to the Massachusetts and Federal Bar;
- Thorough knowledge of Department policies and procedures is preferred;
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Represent the Department in assigned legal matters;
- Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda and briefs;
- Effectively prepare and present assigned cases, prepare witnesses, cross-examine opposing parties, and present oral arguments;
- Conduct necessary depositions;
- Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace, courthouse, and at scheduled meetings;
- Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;
- Knowledge of, and compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines;
- Maintain good standing in Massachusetts and Federal bar;
- Compliance with security procedures;
- Obey moderately complex oral and written orders;
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
- Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
- Deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and
- Exercise good judgment.
MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
- Appear and perform in courtroom;
- Lift up to 25 pounds;
- Carry up to 25 pounds;
- Climb stairs occasionally;
- Walk short distances;
- Use a personal computer and e-mail; and
- Write and type.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
Participation in mandatory training.
