Counsel III - Construction, Claims, & Litigation

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) manages and stewards the Commonwealth’s real estate assets, public buildings, and capital projects. DCAMM oversees more than $2 billion in capital programs and projects, manages 5.5 million square feet of state buildings, and works with agencies across Massachusetts to deliver responsible, sustainable, and forward-looking facilities for the public. DCAMM is seeking a practical, collaborative, and intellectually curious attorney to join its Office of the General Counsel as Senior Associate General Counsel for Construction, Claims & Litigation. This role is an opportunity to work on legal issues arising from public construction projects across the Commonwealth. The attorney will work with colleagues in the General Counsel’s Office to advise DCAMM project teams and leadership on construction contracts, procurement, project delivery, claims, disputes, risk management, litigation strategy, administrative proceedings, settlements, and related legal issues. The candidate does not need to have done every part of this job before, as many tasks are specific to DCAMM as a public employer. Experience with construction law, litigation, public procurement, government contracting, real estate development, infrastructure, insurance/risk, administrative law, or public-sector counseling would all be valuable. We welcome all candidates with strong legal judgment, litigation experience or interest, writing ability, curiosity, and excitement to learn complex technical and legal issues. This is a good role for a lawyer who enjoys solving practical problems, working with multidisciplinary teams, and helping public projects move forward responsibly.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar Association
• At least six years of full-time, or equivalent part time, professional experience in the practice of law in a specialized area that is relevant to the assigned agency.
• Strong legal judgment and sound professional instincts.
• Ability to analyze complex facts, contracts, and legal issues and translate them into practical advice.
• Clear and persuasive writing ability.
• Effective communication skills with lawyers, non-lawyers, technical experts, and decision-makers.
• Comfort working as part of a team and learning from colleagues with different areas of expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Understanding that public-sector legal work requires balancing legal risk, operational needs, public accountability, cost, fairness, and mission.
• Good judgment about when to resolve disputes informally, when to escalate, and when to litigate.
• Value public service and a desire to contribute to projects that affect people and communities across Massachusetts.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in construction law.
• Experience in litigation, arbitration, mediation, or administrative proceedings.
• Experience in public construction or public procurement.
• Experience in government contracts or public-sector legal work.
• Experience in real estate development, infrastructure, facilities, or capital projects.
• Experience in contract drafting, review, negotiation, interpretation, or dispute resolution.
• Experience in claims analysis, risk management, insurance, indemnity, or surety issues.
• Experience in administrative law, regulatory law, or government enforcement.
• Experience advising public agencies, boards, commissions, institutional clients, or senior leaders.
• Experience working with technical experts, project managers, engineers, architects, consultants, contractors, or outside counsel.
• Three years in a supervisory capacity may be required based on assignment and supervisory responsibilities.
• A current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Responsibilities

• Advise DCAMM leadership, project managers, and program teams on legal issues arising from public construction and capital projects.
• Provide legal guidance on construction contracts, project delivery methods, procurement requirements, change orders, delays, defaults, payment disputes, claims, closeout issues, and contract interpretation.
• Work with DCAMM staff and outside counsel on litigation, arbitration, mediation, administrative proceedings, and other dispute-resolution matters.
• Help evaluate claims and disputes involving contractors, designers, consultants, vendors, agencies, and other project participants.
• Draft, review, and negotiate settlement agreements, contract amendments, correspondence, legal memoranda, briefing materials, and other documents.
• Support early identification and resolution of legal risks before they become formal disputes.
• Conduct legal research and provide practical advice on statutes, regulations, contract provisions, public construction requirements, procurement rules, and agency policies.
• Partner with project teams, procurement staff, finance staff, facilities professionals, outside counsel, other agencies, and public stakeholders.
• Respond to inquiries from state agencies, municipal officials, elected officials, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Support the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsels, and other members of the Office of the General Counsel on additional legal, policy, and strategic matters.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree