ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL | Civil Rights Division / Police Accountability Unit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General is looking for an experienced and highly motivated attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in the Police Accountability Unit (PAU). This innovative Unit within the Civil Rights Division protects the civil rights of people who interact with local police departments and other law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

• Must be a member of the Massachusetts bar or eligible for admission in short order.
• At least three (3) years of full-time legal experience, preferably including complex civil litigation and/or criminal justice experience, such as litigation or advocacy involving law enforcement practices or experience as a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney.
• Experience working directly with or on behalf of members of the public, especially historically marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring the trust and confidence of communities in law enforcement agencies and ensuring accountability when law enforcement officers commit misconduct.
• Outstanding research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, including other attorneys and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Vietnamese, or Haitian Creole is a plus.
• The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Screening and developing new matters.
• Conducting comprehensive investigations involving interviews, data analysis, and retaining and working with experts.
• Drafting written recommendations including legal analyses.
• Litigating cases in state and federal court related to PAU’s enforcement authority, including negotiating, monitoring, and enforcing settlement agreements.
• Working collaboratively with other state agencies, including the Police Officer Standards & Training Commission (“POST”) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (“EOPSS”).
• Working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, including by providing technical assistance, legal guidance, and training on compliance with civil rights laws.
• Developing legislative and policy initiatives.
• Reviewing and drafting amicus briefs.
• Engaging with community stakeholders on matters related to policing practices and criminal justice reform, including through speaking engagements and attendance at community meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed