Counsel I - Northern Region

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Woburn, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Revenue's Child Support Services Division seeks an attorney for a Counsel I position for the Litigation team in its Northern Region office located in Woburn. DOR/CSS utilizes a hybrid work model where employees work both in-office and remotely, depending on operational needs. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate work environment for telework, including but not limited to, connectivity, and resource access to conduct their job duties while remote. Candidates must be able to supervise and be supervised remotely and must be able to work effectively in an isolated setting. Candidates must be organized, highly disciplined, conscientious, motivated, and committed to utilizing identified tools for successfully performing in a remote setting. Candidates must be available to travel to their officially designated work location with as little notice as the same workday should an exigent circumstance arise.

Requirements

• Member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of law
• Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.
• Experience in family law/domestic relations.
• Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and write reports.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, and apply the law, rules and regulations governing operations.
• Strong research and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, and handle confidential assignments.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to convey information and explain actions to customers with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in high volume office and court environments.
• Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Nice To Haves

• First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Responsibilities

• Assess, draft, and file/efile legal pleadings in various divisions of the Probate and Family Court Department.
• Manage a high-volume litigation caseload to support the financial needs of the family and to ensure compliance with statutory and procedural requirements, state and federal timelines for health insurance, and agency policies and procedures.
• Prepare for virtual case conferencing sessions and/or virtual court hearings: including conferring with regional staff to obtain necessary case information and documents; perform necessary legal research and analysis; prepare case summaries; and organize case information.
• Appear at virtual case conferencing sessions and/or virtual court hearings to establish legal paternity; establish, modify and enforce orders for child support and health insurance; and address customer issues.
• Review case inventory on a regular and consistent basis to control inventory and minimize backlogs; and refer cases to appropriate regional staff when legal action is not pursuable.
• Report to supervisor concerning backlogs, including identifying problem cases, proposed solutions; and developing strategies to eliminate backlogs.
• Update CSS’s case management system (COMETS HD) and other case tracking systems with actions taken.
• Advocate DOR’s interests in a legally sound manner by correctly interpreting and applying state and federal laws, statutes and regulations regarding child support services, and agency policies.
• Determine the best means to inform customers concerning what actions the agency will or will not take on their cases, risks (including physical or emotional risks related to domestic violence/family safety), time frames, and what actions the customer needs to take to cooperate with the agency.
• Identify means to resolve disputes between customers and the agency.
• Serve as in house CSS counsel by responding to inquiries from internal and external CSS customers, including, but not limited to, providing legal case consultation to CSS managers and staff; informing judges, private counsel, and other customers of DOR policy and procedures; and delivering quality legal services to CSS litigants.
• Treat litigants with dignity and respect at all times; and handle confrontation in a professional manner.
• Promote and foster a positive image of the agency and its representatives.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in state-wide workgroups and special projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• An outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• A work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level