Lead Legal Counsel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Natick, MA

12h

About The Position

Incumbents in this position are responsible for representing the agency’s position and statutory obligations in legal matters, obtaining information on cases for hearings, advising agency staff on legal matters, drafting administrative and legal documents, providing information to the public on agency functions, rules and regulations and performing related work as required. This role also includes the role of Deputy Compact Administrator (DCA) for the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS).

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.
• Three years in a supervisory capacity may be required.
• A current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Parole Board in litigation.
• Represent the Parole Board before state boards and commissions.
• Respond to public records requests.
• Assist General Counsel in executive clemency and termination matters.
• Assist Board Members and General Counsel in preparing decisions on life sentence cases.
• Assist General Counsel in the review and drafting of parole regulations.
• Assist the Attorney General’s Office with parole litigation handled by the Attorney General.
• Assist General Counsel as a confidential employee in employment matters, ensuring compliance with the law, representing the Parole Board in employment and labor related litigation, advising on policies, best practices, contracts, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution.
• Assist General Counsel as a confidential employee in the negotiation, drafting, and review of employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, severance agreements, and other employment-related documents.
• Stay current on changes in employment law and communicate updates to relevant departments.
• Assist General Counsel in working with HR and management to anticipate, manage, and mitigate legal risks for the agency.
• Provide legal advice and opinions on parole matters for the agency’s attorneys and staff.
• Respond to inquiries from private attorneys, assistant district attorneys, parolees and incarcerated individuals concerning parole legal matters.
• Represent the agency at legal seminars, conferences, training and meetings held by other agencies or legal organizations.
• Assist General Counsel in the development, drafting and promulgation of agency policies and procedures.
• Research and analyze relevant laws, regulations, and standards to inform policy content, recommending updates as needed.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations and collaborate with operational teams to gather input and ensure policies are accurate, practical, and aligned with agency goals and address operational needs.
• Maintain a central policy library and track review cycles to keep documents current.
• Interpretation of Interstate Compact Rules and resolution of disputes with other states regarding transfer, acceptance, supervision and/or return of interstate parolees.
• Ensuring that the Interstate Compact Parole Supervisor, Parole Officer(s) and Program Coordinator(s) are updated regarding any interstate audit and/or training requirements.
• Maintaining a current State Council of certain stakeholders, pursuant to interstate rules, and holding, at minimum, an annual meeting to discuss current issues and/or developments regarding interstate transfers.
• Attending the Annual Business Meeting of the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) in-person, as well as virtual attendance at East Region meetings throughout the calendar year.
• Other related duties as required.

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