Position Summary: Under the supervision of the General Counsel, this position provides legal advice and support to the Executive Staff, including the Secretary, Undersecretaries, Chief of Staff, Communications department, and the Legislative Director on a variety of public safety issues, including but not limited to law enforcement, criminal justice, and homeland security issues. The legal team in the Office of the General Counsel collaborates closely with legal counsel in the 11 constituent agencies to ensure the Governor and the Secretary receive comprehensive, high quality, and creative solutions to identified challenges and policy priorities. This position will, under the supervision of the General Counsel, assist with management of civil litigation involving EOPSS or its constituent agencies, as well as the promulgation of relevant regulations. Members of the legal team are also responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and commenting on legislation that impacts EOPSS agencies, public safety and homeland security, reviewing public record requests and responses, negotiating and reviewing contracts for services, and serving as Board Counsel to a variety of state Boards and Commissions.

Key Responsibilities: This position will assist with the drafting, review, and management of regulations submitted by agencies for promulgation, draft memoranda of understanding and interagency agreements, and advise on legal issues related to pending legislation, press inquiries, or public records requests. This position also will assist with the development of legal strategies to resolve or litigate lawsuits involving EOPSS or its agencies, which includes reviewing and editing briefs and settlement memoranda, and when necessary, participating in settlement negotiations. This position will also advise secretariat staff on compliance with ethics and procurement laws by processing all appropriate disclosures and responding to ethics-related questions or concerns. This position may be required to review and negotiate with contractors and vendors regarding contracts for services. This position will require serving as board counsel to advisory boards and committees.

Required Qualifications

• Juris doctor;

• 5+ years of experience in the practice of law, including in the field of civil litigation;

• Admission in good standing to the Massachusetts Bar

• Experience with legal writing and drafting, and analysis of state and Federal laws;

• Experience and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the field of public safety, which may include but is not limited to policing, corrections, or emergency planning and operations;

• Experience with drafting or analyzing regulations;

• Experience with civil litigation;

• Familiarity with the state legislative and budget processes;

• Experience with laws regarding public records and open meetings; and

• Experience responding to unexpected and rapidly-developing situations.

• Knowledge of the operations of state government

Skills & Competencies

• Communication skills and demonstrated exercise of good judgment;

• Creative problem-solving;

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a structured environment;

• Capacity to translate complex legal requirements into practical advice for decision-makers;

• Demonstrated ability to remain organized and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; and

• Competence in drafting and negotiating complex agreements.

Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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