General Counsel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•West Boylston, MA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Administration of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). The role advises senior management on policies, procedures, programs, and their implementation; manages the legal function; and obtains and oversees the work of outside counsel. The General Counsel represents the WCSO in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings, and provides legal training to employees and contractors. The position requires interpreting and applying laws, including matters without precedent, and staying current on laws and regulations relevant to correctional facilities. The General Counsel evaluates cases filed against or on behalf of the WCSO, works with appropriate personnel on strategic defenses, and approves settlements when warranted. The position is performed in a typical office setting within a correctional facility and reports to the Superintendent / Special Sheriff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
A minimum of 5 years of legal experience.
License to practice law in Massachusetts.
Ability to obtain information from relevant sources.
Ability to represent the facility to the public, government, and other external sources.
Ability to instruct personnel.
Ability to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including listening comprehension and the ability to ask appropriate questions.
Ability to perform advanced legal research using written and electronic methods.
Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the correctional process.
Knowledge of English language structure and content, including word meanings and spelling, composition, and grammar.
Advanced knowledge of criminal law, employment law, correctional law, and civil rights law.
Close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Provide verbal advice and advanced legal expertise to senior management.
Participate in defining and developing policies, procedures, and programs, and provide continuing legal counsel and guidance on their implications.
Communicate verbally and in writing with the public, governmental agencies, outside legal counsel, private attorneys, and WCSO employees.
Represent the WCSO in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings.
Interpret and apply laws, rulings, and regulations relating to a correctional facility, including matters without precedent.
Evaluate the merits of court cases filed against or on behalf of the WCSO, work with appropriate personnel to develop a strategic defense, and approve settlements when warranted.
Provide applicable legal training to new and existing employees and contractors.
Study and remain familiar with statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances pertinent to a correctional facility.
Keep current with changes to laws and regulations.
Manage the legal function and obtain and oversee the work of outside counsel.