Public Records Staff Attorney
About The Position
The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking candidates for a Staff Attorney position in the Public Records Division (Division). The Division (Division) administers the updated Massachusetts Public Records Law. Under the authority of the Supervisor of Records (Supervisor), the Division processes and issues determinations on appeals from petitioners denied access to government records; responds to inquires involving the interpretation of public records statutes and regulations; and provides training to government employees and their agents throughout Massachusetts. The Staff Attorney will work in fast-paced, deadline driven environment and will be responsible for providing legal support to the Supervisor and Division in administering the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
Requirements
- J.D. degree
- Ability to communicate timely and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Strong legal writing skills
- Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines
- Ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner
Nice To Haves
- Admission to the Massachusetts Bar preferred, but will consider recent graduates
- Law Review or Journal experience preferred
Responsibilities
- Performs complex legal research involving state and federal case-law, statutes, regulations, Attorney General Opinions, Executive Orders and prior Supervisor Determinations
- Review appeals from public records requesters who have been denied access to government records
- Draft administrative Public Records Law determinations on issues including privacy, police records, settlement agreements, government contracts
- Responds to inquiries from records custodians, records requesters and general public relating to the Public Records Law
- Provides legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression
- Conducts trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested
- Provides general legal support for the Division, including the Commissions Section
- Some in-state travel may be required
- Performs other duties as assigned
Benefits
- 75% state paid medical insurance premium
- Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
- Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
- Low cost basic and optional life insurance
- Retirement Savings\: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
- 12 paid holidays per year and Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
- Tuition benefits for employee at state colleges and universities
- Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
- Incentive-based Wellness Programs
- Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
