Assistant General Counsel

State of Massachusetts • Springfield, MA

392d

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel (Counsel II position) at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is responsible for providing legal advice and representation on various matters, including guardianship, conservatorship, and administrative appeals. This role involves managing a substantial caseload, supervising paralegals, and ensuring compliance with legal standards in a hybrid work environment.

Requirements

• Active member of the Massachusetts Bar or eligible to waive into Massachusetts Bar.
• At least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the practice of law or in a position requiring membership in the Bar.
• Ability to interpret legal opinions, laws, court decisions, rules, regulations, proposed legislation, and administrative rulings.
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Excellent oral and written advocacy skills.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a strong ability to successfully multi-task and prioritize work.
• Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Possession of current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

Nice To Haves

• Experience handling court or administrative hearings preferred.
• Proven track record as a team player.
• Prior supervision experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal consultation and advice to DDS staff on an array of legal issues, including guardianship, conservatorship, protective services, privacy, torts, and other matters.
• Handles cases as assigned, including preparation of pleadings, memoranda, letters, and representing DDS in court and administrative hearings.
• Manages all the legal work in the regional office and supervises paralegals in the office.
• Organizes office systems to keep track of cases and deadlines, streamline management of work, and maintain records as required.
• Keeps records including office statistics and prepares legal or case memoranda as required by General Counsel or supervisor.
• Assists the Attorney General's Office in preparing cases in which the Agency is an interested party.
• Performs other legal tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the General Counsel.
• Travels throughout the state as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees