Counsel I - Western Legal

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Holyoke, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic, service-minded legal professional to fill the role of Counsel I. The selected candidate must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and will represent DCF in Juvenile and Probate Court, in custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship, and adoption cases.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar
Some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
Member of the Massachusetts Bar Association

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, court decisions, opinions, rules, and regulations applicable to the agency.
Prepare and litigate custody, termination of parental rights, and guardianship court cases.
Prepare petitions, affidavits, memorandum of law, discovery motions, findings of fact, and other legal documents for agency court-involved cases.
Prepare opinions and advise clinical agency staff on legal procedures and requirements for agency cases that are pending in the courts.
Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation, or policy, or other topics as needed.
Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules, and regulations related to the administration and enforcement of laws within the jurisdiction of the agency.