Counsel III (Hybrid)

A Massachusetts State Agency

  • Boston, MA
  • 6 Years
  • Remote
  • 260003GW
  • 105,503 - 153,846 / Yearly
  • Not Specified
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Description:

Description:
The Division of Banks is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Counsel III. The Counsel III is a senior-level attorney responsible for providing legal support services to the agency's supervision units and leading regulatory enforcement matters that protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the Commonwealth's financial services marketplace. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role serves as a key Legal partner to supervision, enforcement, and consumer assistance functions, helping translate examination findings and consumer complaints into effective legal and enforcement outcomes.

The Counsel III serves as a technical expert, providing advanced and specialized expertise in a specific area of law, and leads the development and negotiation of enforcement actions, may act as prosecuting counsel in administrative proceedings, and provides strategic legal guidance across the Division. Working closely with the investigative and examination teams, this role ensures that regulatory actions are legally sound, consistent, and aligned with the Division's broader supervisory priorities The Counsel III also provides consultative advice, insight, and recommendations on legal issues to assist agency management decision making and to ensure compliance with agency, state and federal laws and regulations.

About the Division:
As an employee of the Division of Banks, you will contribute to the mission of the Division of Banks by ensuring a sound, competitive, and accessible financial services environment throughout the Commonwealth. The Division maintains public confidence in Massachusetts financial institutions through the oversight of state-chartered banks and credit unions as well as non-depository licensees doing business in Massachusetts. We are a consumer protection agency, and we support financial literacy education and programs benefiting residents across the Commonwealth. The majority of the Division's employees are Examiners who conduct a variety of on-site and off-site examinations of financial institutions and licensed entities under the Division's jurisdiction.

At the Division of Banks every employee's ideas and experiences are welcomed. We value and respect that each individual brings different skills and perspectives that uniquely contribute to our agency and the work that we do. It is important that each employee feel empowered to contribute as this allows for more effective collaboration and better results. Within our workplace community, we offer a variety of training and mentoring to create and maintain learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

To learn more about the Division of Banks, click here. (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-banks)

As a Counsel III, you can expect to:
  • Provide legal support services to the Division of Banks' supervision and field examination staff.
  • Lead regulatory enforcement matters from investigation through resolution, including drafting charges, negotiating consent agreements, and presenting cases at administrative hearings.
  • Provide strategic legal advice to examination and consumer assistance staff on complex regulatory and enforcement matters.
  • May act as prosecuting counsel in administrative/adjudicatory hearings.

Consider joining our team if you:
  • Are motivated by public service and interested in applying your legal expertise to protect consumers and strengthen regulatory accountability in the Commonwealth.
  • Bring meaningful experience in administrative law and litigation, including the ability to independently manage complex regulatory matters. Demonstrate strong legal research, analytical, and written advocacy skills.
  • Familiarity with state and federal banking laws; non-depository consumer lending laws; emerging issues in financial services such as appropriate levels of regulating novel financial products and cryptocurrency; corporate and administrative law; consumer protection laws, as well as commercial, real estate, and securities laws
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including agency leadership, regulated entities, and opposing counsel.

Work/Life Balance & Benefits:
  • Hybrid Position: This is a hybrid position offering remote work flexibility; however, staff are expected to be on-site at a Division office, regulated entity, or court proceeding at least once per pay period (every two weeks). Additional in-person attendance may be required based on enforcement activities or operational needs.
  • Flexible Schedule: Employees may choose from flexible start and end times and are eligible for a compressed work schedule that includes every other Friday off.
  • Paid Leave: Commonwealth employees receive generous paid leave in addition to a competitive state holiday schedule.
  • Retirement: Participation in the Commonwealth's State Employee Retirement System.
  • Training and Development: The Division offers training opportunities through the agency, regulatory partners, and the Commonwealth. Employees are also eligible for tuition remission at Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

This position is a union position in the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Unit 6 and the salary is within Grade 21. Salary (step) placement is based on relevant experience.

Primary Duties:
  • Provide legal guidance to senior management, investigative and examination staff, and consumer assistance on regulatory findings, complaints, and statutory interpretation.
  • Lead enforcement matters from investigation through resolution, including drafting charges, developing negotiated resolutions, and representing the Division in administrative hearings.
  • Draft and review enforcement orders, consent agreements, and other legal actions in coordination with supervisory divisions.
  • Coordinate closely with examination teams to develop legally sound cases.
  • May serve as prosecuting counsel in administrative/adjudicatory proceedings.
  • Interface with external counsel and regulated entities throughout the enforcement process.
  • Responsible for drafting of regulatory approvals, reviewing applications submitted for regulatory action, researching and drafting formal and informal legal opinions, and responding to the legal inquiries received by the Division.
  • Respond to legal and regulatory inquiries from the public, industry stakeholders and ensure consistent interpretation of statutes and regulations.
  • Collaborate with state and federal regulators and law enforcement on enforcement actions and related legal matters.
  • Represent the Division in administrative proceedings related to licensing and regulatory actions.
  • Provide guidance to junior attorneys and multidisciplinary teams, including examiners interpretation of Division policies or application of statutes, regulations, rules, and regulatory bulletins.

Preferred Qualifications:
We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role, even if you don't meet 100% of the job qualifications.
  • Extensive knowledge of Massachusetts and federal banking law and regulatory frameworks.
  • Extensive state and or federal litigation experience and knowledge of the state law governing administrative hearings.
  • Familiarity with administrative and commercial law principles as applied to financial institutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal issues and exercise sound professional judgment.
  • Ability to interact effectively with senior leadership and external stakeholders, including in high-conflict situations.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate the Division's legal positions.

The filling of this position is subject to appropriation and obtainment of all necessary approvals from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. The Division reserves the right not to fill this position without notice. This position will report to the General Counsel within the Legal Unit.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar Association, and at least (A) 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. Based on assignment and supervisory responsibilities, three years in a supervisory capacity may be required.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

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! (https://www.mass.gov/commonwealth-employee-benefits-and-rewards)