Associate Counsel to the House of Representatives

Closing Date: 1st May, 2024

Description:

Agency Overview:
The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people. The Office of Legal Counsel provides legal counsel to the 160 elected Members and approximately 500 appointed staff of the House on complex legal and policy matters, including legislative drafting, constitutional issues, conflict of interest compliance, employment law and other legal issues that may arise related to the operations of the House.

Reports to:
Reports to the Chief Legal Counsel for the House of Representatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Chief Counsel and other senior attorneys, the Associate Counsel:

• provides legal advice on employment and operational matters for the House;
• assists with the review, negotiation and implementation of House contracts;
• advises Members of the House and their staff concerning the application of the Conflict of Interest Law (G.L. c. 268A);
• works with Members and staff to draft, review and analyze legislation and amendments to legislation;
• conducts extensive legal research of legislation;
• reviews and analyzes legislation, existing state and federal statutes, constitutional provisions and case law;
• prepares memoranda and other written legal advice to be sent to Members and staff as well as senior attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel;
• identifies and presents—orally and in writing— potential legal issues for discussion;
• supervises and oversees assistant counsels and other staff of the Office of Legal Counsel;
• utilizes internal and external research databases, systems and applications; and
• performs additional tasks as assigned and/or as responsibility increases.

Qualifications:
Required Skills/Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail;
• Ability to consistently identify and analyze complex legal issues and clearly articulate such analyses orally and in writing;
• Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;
• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in legal research; experience with Westlaw preferred;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Ability to communicate with Members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback in a professional and helpful manner;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment;
• Demonstrated understanding of, and adherence to, legal privilege doctrines and confidentiality requirements for sensitive materials, personally identifiable information, and related documents;
• Ability to follow-up and complete tasks;
• Proficiency and experience with the Microsoft Office suite; and
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment, utilize standard office equipment and technology and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Education/Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and have 3 or more years' experience as an attorney.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, minimum of 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work.

---