Legal Counsel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

25d

About The Position

The Legal Counsel will work closely under the supervision of the General Counsel and with members of the Home Improvement Contractor (“HIC") Hearing Officers to administer the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation’s HIC Program complaint process. The Legal Counsel will assist in the preparation, scheduling, and conduct of hearings. The Legal Counsel will conduct a small number of complaint hearings. The Legal Counsel will support the legal and regulatory functions of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation organization by assisting with legal compliance audits, reviewing legal documents, managing enforcement and legal consumer related processes, responding to public record requests, working with the Attorney General’s Office on appealed decisions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of databases similar to databases used by OCABR’s HIC Program.
Knowledge of the methods of general report writing and legal writing, including memoranda, legal decisions, and consent agreements.
Ability to produce general and legal reports upon request related to HIC Complaints.
Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, laws, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing HIC Complaints.
Ability to gather information/evidence by examining records and documents and by questioning individuals.
Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures, including ensuring that cases have adequate evidence for a hearing.
Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
Ability to maintain accurate records, including maintaining such information in accordance with applicable record retention schedules.
Ability to write concisely; to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner, including explaining legal processes and procedures to non-attorneys.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to establish rapport with others.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
Ability to deal tactfully with others.
Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements.
Ability to exercise sound judgment with guidance from the General Counsel.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information with guidance from the General Counsel.
Ability to learn the use of databases, applications and platforms.

Responsibilities

Collect, process and make eligibility determinations on formal complaints made against Home Improvement Contractors registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Ensure completeness of complaint files before providing to the Hearing Officer.
Work with Hearing Officer, complainants and contractors to schedule hearings.
Send Hearing Officer determinations to parties when ready.
Maintain complaint and determination records and support enforcement efforts if necessary.
Produce relevant reports on HIC Complaints, including number of complaints; time to resolution; and determinations.
Identify cases that could be resolved via settlement/consent agreements and support the drafting, review, execution, and tracking of consent agreements.
Track disciplinary actions, including administrative fines, to ensure compliance deadlines are being met.
Track cases that have been appealed and provide all necessary information to the Attorney General’s Office to allow for adequate representation by them.
Assist the General Counsel to develop, implement, and maintain procedures and guidelines to support OCABR’s goals, including those related to the Home Improvement Contractor program.
Support the administration of OCABR’s legal unit by maintaining organized legal files and databases, performing policy, legal and regulatory research, and responding promptly to internal requests.
Assist with legal audits by reviewing documentation, analyzing statements and disclosures, and assessing accuracy and consistency of information.
Read, analyze, and summarize written statements, affidavits, consent agreements, and other legal or investigatory materials.
Draft reports, letters, and memoranda on behalf of the General Counsel and the legal unit.
Manage fine follow-up and enforcement-related processes, including tracking outstanding fines, coordinating communications, and maintaining accurate records.
Review and interpret statutes, regulations, policies, and guidance documents to support compliance and enforcement activities.
Respond to inquiries from consumers, businesses, attorneys, homeowners, and contractors in a professional and timely manner.
Process and respond to Public Records Requests (PRRs) in accordance with applicable public records laws and agency procedures.
Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to support legal, regulatory, and enforcement initiatives.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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