Assistant General Counsel - Procurement

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel represents the Department in contract and procurement matters, researches legal issues, and prepares memoranda on legal topics assigned by the General Counsel. The position reviews, drafts, and compiles procurement documents and departmental policies; advises on contract and procurement matters; manages Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; and researches, investigates, and reports on legal issues and incidents. It also supports audits, document-retention functions, and Memoranda of Agreement. The role provides guidance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel’s Office. The position works under the direction of the General Counsel, or the Deputy General Counsel in the General Counsel’s absence. It requires maintaining good standing in the Massachusetts and Federal Bar, complying with Department policies and security procedures, and participating in mandatory training. Regular, punctual attendance at the assigned workplace is required; nights or weekends may be needed for projects.

Requirements

Admission to the Massachusetts and Federal Bar is required, and the attorney must maintain good standing in both.
Experience in civil litigation.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to interact pleasantly and discreetly with employees and the public and establish effective working relationships across the organization, other agencies, and private industry.
High levels of customer service, independence, leadership, and willingness to write and maintain documentation.
Ability to handle duties with a high degree of confidentiality.
Initiative and ability to work with coworkers and consultants; self-motivation; ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to perform moderate to complex qualitative and quantitative analyses, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Creativity, flexibility, and organizational skills.
Effective communication, sound judgment, and ability to deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies.
Ability to follow moderately complex oral and written orders.
Regular, punctual, and predictable attendance at the assigned workplace; ability to work nights and/or weekends for projects as needed.
Ability to communicate orally, climb a small step ladder, sit or stand periodically for eight hours, lift and carry up to 25 pounds, climb stairs occasionally, walk short distances, use a personal computer and email, and write and type.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with contract law and regulations.
Familiarity with Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Represent the Department in contract and procurement issues.
Review, draft, and compile documents for Department contract and procurement needs, including drafting Requests for Responses (RFRs).
Advise on, prepare, and respond to legal questions concerning contract and procurement matters.
Mitigate and manage legal issues arising from procurement project performance.
Assist in reviewing, drafting, and compiling Department policies.
Research legal issues and draft memoranda concerning the Department.
Manage FOIA requests with internal and external stakeholders; draft responses and produce responsive documents.
Investigate, research, and report on incidents and issues as assigned.
Assist with and participate in internal and governmental audits with Financial Services staff.
Work with the Commonwealth and Secretary of State on Department document-retention and destruction functions.
Assist with the research, review, drafting, and reporting of Memoranda of Agreement.
Provide guidance and assistance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel’s Office.
Comply with Department and General Counsel Division policies and procedures, including security procedures.
Participate in mandatory training and perform other assigned duties.