Associate Town Counsel - Labor & Employment Law

Town of Brookline•Brookline, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Town of Brookline is seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Town Counsel to join our Legal Department, focusing on labor and employment law within a collaborative and high-performing municipal environment. As Associate Town Counsel, you will work closely with department heads and senior leadership, handling a variety of legal matters including collective bargaining, labor disputes, disciplinary actions, grievances, arbitrations, and employment litigation. You’ll play a vital role in advising the Town on employment law compliance, strategy, and risk mitigation.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
A minimum of five years of experience in public sector labor and employment law preferred, including collective bargaining, arbitration, employment litigation, and legal compliance counseling.
Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar.
Must be eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit within 90 days of appointment.
Strong working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 150E, civil service law, and applicable state and federal employment laws.
Familiarity with the procedures and practices of the Department of Labor Relations, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), and the Joint Labor-Management Committee is highly desirable.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Strong judgment, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
Ability to manage complex and sensitive legal matters under pressure, particularly those involving high-profile or time-sensitive issues.
Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including department heads, public boards and commissions, and outside counsel.

Responsibilities

Advise department heads, the Director of Human Resources, and senior leadership on employment law, disciplinary matters, grievances, and contract interpretation.
Serve as lead negotiator or counsel in collective bargaining and labor-management committee matters.
Represent the Town before Labor arbitration panels, Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), and in state and federal courts.
Draft and review legal documents, including collective bargaining agreements, contracts, settlement agreements, Town Meeting articles, policies, and memoranda.
Provide legal representation at public meetings, including Select Board, Advisory Committee, and Town Meeting.
Conduct investigations, evaluate legal risk, and resolve employment-related claims.
Assist in the preparation and trial of litigation, including appellate work in the Supreme Judicial Court and U.S. Court of Appeals.
Stay current on legal developments through continuing legal education.