Generalist Attorney

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

23d • Onsite

About The Position

The Generalist Attorney represents the Division in court or at administrative hearings before the Division; advises agency staff on legal matters; drafts administrative, court, and legal documents; provides information to the public on agency functions, rules, and regulations; and performs related work as required.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law including constitutional law.
• Ability to address complicated legal issues.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to prepare technical and general reports.
• Ability to explain the provisions of the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines and policies governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of legal data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Ability to conduct interviews.
• Ability to write concisely and effectively, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to make effective oral presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Knowledge of the legal procedures involved in conducting public and executive hearings.
• Ability to interpret and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing taxation and/or consumerism/consumer protection.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of administrative law.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law including constitutional law.
• Knowledge of the procedures followed in courtroom proceedings.
• Knowledge of the terminology, symbols and standard abbreviations in legal practice.
• Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of training methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Ability to conduct training or instruction.
• Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.

Responsibilities

• Advise agency staff on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations and judicial or quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations, including enforcement matters; reviewing court decisions and newly enacted state and federal regulations to determine their applicability to agency activities; reviewing drafts of proposed agency regulations, guidelines and contracts for conformity with applicable laws and regulations; conducting legal research on matters related to agency functions; preparing opinions; reviewing draft decisions for clarity and for evidentiary and legal foundation; and training agency staff in such matters as the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing agency operations.
• Provide information to the public by answering inquiries related to agency functions, rules and regulations and by speaking before citizen groups and/or other interested parties regarding agency legal issues and procedures to ensure the accurate presentation of the agency's functions, positions on various issues and policies.
• Perform related duties such as writing correspondence and reports; scheduling hearings and conferences; updating reference materials such as laws, rules and regulations; and maintaining and updating periodic status and/or statistical reports on such matters as proposed legislation.
• Represent agency at administrative hearings, including rate and enforcement hearings, by interviewing witnesses, presenting evidence and oral arguments in support of the agency's position, filing motions and answers to complaints, and conferring with other counsel to promote the agency's position and statutory obligations.
• Obtain information needed to represent the agency in court or at administrative hearings, including rate and enforcement hearings, by conducting pre-hearing conferences to clarify issues or encourage settlement; interviewing witnesses; consulting other agency staff and legal representatives of the parties involved; reviewing case files, transcripts of previous hearings, administrative decisions and other records of case proceedings; conducting legal research; and reviewing memoranda submitted by litigant representatives for rebuttal to determine issues involved, legal precedents and whether further investigation is needed to provide additional documentation.
• Prepare cases for trials or administrative hearings, including rate and enforcement hearings, by evaluating complaints to determine if they warrant court action; deciding which cases to prosecute; determining legal strategy to be used in the prosecution, defense or settlement of cases through all levels of court jurisdiction; determining which documents or persons to subpoena; determining which witnesses will appear in court or at hearings in connection with civil or criminal cases; preparing legal briefs, complaints and memoranda of law; assembling and organizing supportive documentation; and instructing parties in the procedural format of hearings to ensure that all testimony, evidence and legal precedents supporting the agency's position are adequately presented.
• Draft administrative, court and legal documents; prepare consent orders and regulations; and review legal documents to ensure that such documents are complete, accurate and in compliance with law to avoid challenge.
• Review such documents as correspondence of the legislative committee reports to record information for future reference.
• Recommend standard operating procedures to be adopted by the agency.
• Consult with other legal counsel and agency officials regarding the appeal of agency decisions; and maintains liaison with the Attorney General's office on suits filed in federal and state courts.
• Confer with other agency staff in drafting proposed legislation for submission to the Legislature and analyze proposed legislation to determine its impact on agency activities.
• Draft regulations and legislation for the implementation of agency programs.
• Prepare instructions to agency units for the implementation of court decisions.
• Establish and maintain liaison with representatives of other government agencies, including the legislature, through consultation and negotiation to develop memoranda of agreement on joint programs and to exchange information on such matters as agency budget allocations and proposed legislation.
• Prepare memoranda supporting or opposing legislation affecting agency operations.
• Negotiate settlements between consumers and company representatives to resolve complaints and/or disputes.
• Negotiate with legal staff of other agencies to develop memoranda of agreement concerning joint programs.
• Assist General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in all matters deemed necessary.

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: Mid Level