Deputy Labor Counsel-Legal Department

Massachusetts Trial Court•Boston, MA

3d•$111,215 - $164,016•Hybrid

About The Position

The Trial Court Legal Department has dual reporting responsibilities to the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and the Court Administrator of the Executive Office of the Trial Court. The Legal Department oversees the range of legal matters that arise within the Executive Office of the Trial Court and the Office of Court Management (OCM). The Legal Department works directly with the Office of the Attorney General in its legal representation of the Trial Court, its departments, officers and employees in litigation brought in state and federal courts; and advises the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, the Court Administrator, the Directors of the OCM departments, the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, the Office of the Jury Commissioner, and the Deputy Court Administrators and attorneys for the seven Departmental Administrative Offices of the Trial Court on legal issues and problems. Working within the Legal Department of the Executive Office of the Trial Court, the Deputy Labor Counsel is responsible for representing the Trial Court in labor and employment cases and advising Trial Court officials on labor and employment issues, including, but not limited to, discipline, internal complaints and leaves. The Deputy Labor Counsel prepares for and conducts litigation of complex labor and employment issues before the Department of Labor Relations, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and, on occasion, the Massachusetts Superior Court, and in arbitration. The Deputy Labor Counsel acts as liaison to the Office of the Attorney General in Trial Court employment litigation. The Deputy Labor Counsel may supervise a staff employment and labor attorney in matters related to labor and employment litigation. The Deputy Labor Counsel may assist the Labor Counsel in advising the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Deputy CHRO for Labor Relations on collective bargaining issues and contributes to the formulation of bargaining proposals and policies.

Requirements

A Law Degree and membership in the Massachusetts Bar
A minimum of (5) Five years of practical experience in labor-management relations and labor-related litigation and employment is required
Knowledge, skills and abilities in labor and employment law acquired through formal training and experience
Demonstrated ability to provide legal opinions and represent the Trial Court in complex, non-routine matters, including researching issues and conducting litigation
Ability to advise Trial Court managers thoughtfully and appropriately in handling a variety of employee performance issues and to create plans for improvement and/or impose necessary discipline
Knowledge and experience in applying the defined principles of anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policy
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with persons at all levels, including judges, and to maintain effective working relationships
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing
Ability to analyze problems and to develop feasible solutions
Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and develop creative solutions to time-sensitive problems and issues
Ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis
Working knowledge of research techniques, methods and procedures
Ability to handle highly confidential material with unfailing discretion

Nice To Haves

Prior public sector employment litigation experience is preferred
Professional Development: Must have a background that demonstrates a history of regular professional development and a record of initiating best practices and innovative approaches to conducting labor relations and employment litigation.

Responsibilities

Conducting grievance arbitration before arbitrators
Representing the Trial Court on complaints filed at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, EEOC, and/or the Division of Labor Relations, which includes: Preparing witnesses, conducting investigations, and engaging in discovery; Developing information necessary for litigation, grievances and other related matters; Writing briefs or other hearing-related memoranda.
Assisting Labor Counsel in providing advice on labor and employment issues and applicable law to the Court Administrator, the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Deputy CHRO for Labor Relations, Trial Court judges, managers, and employees
Researching legal issues and drafting related memoranda
Contributing to the ongoing formulation and negotiation of policy as outlined in the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and collective bargaining agreements
Demonstrating knowledge and ability in the use of personal computers and related software, including HR/CMS (Oracle/PeopleSoft) and MS Office
Participating in training sessions on labor and employment related topics
Providing advice on the interpretation of personnel policies and procedures to managers and employees
Leading special projects
Performing related duties as required