Duties:
The Massachusetts Department of Correction has immediate openings for staff attorneys (Counsel II) in its Boston Legal Office. These attorneys will be responsible for defending correctional employees in civil rights litigation in the state and federal courts involving constitutional issues, conditions of confinement, medical care, class actions and systems litigation, and will provide in-house counsel on a variety of matters as required. Litigation duties include travel to state correctional facilities and state and federal courts located throughout the Commonwealth.
The attorneys will be responsible for conducting jury and non-jury trials, as well as oral arguments before the Commonwealth's state trial courts, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, Federal District Courts, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals, with the majority of cases filed in Boston or in contiguous counties. These attorneys are also responsible for interviewing witnesses at 14 state correctional institutions and obtaining relevant institutional records; consulting with other DOC staff and parties involved; reviewing case files; defending clients at depositions; responding to discovery and conducting legal research; and preparing motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. The attorneys are also responsible for providing legal advice as in-house counsel to all DOC employees, to include the interpretation of applicable laws, regulations and case decisions impacting DOC. Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidates for the positions will be experienced litigation attorneys. Candidates should have excellent academic backgrounds, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in criminal justice issues strongly preferred.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
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.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Counsel II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston - 70 Franklin Street
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Department of Correction
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Nov 13, 2023, 8:44:29 AM
Number of Openings: 7
Salary: 77,887.68 - 112,548.54 Biweekly
Contact: If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Janice Perez - 5088503651
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
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