Closing Date: 23rd October, 2024

Description:

Overview:
A Government Entity, the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking applications for a Legislative Policy Counsel to work with the General Counsel in representing and advocating for the Agency before the Legislature and Executive Branch of the government.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Our Values:
Courage • Accountability • Respect • Excellence

Position Overview:
The Office of The General Counsel Is Responsible for Providing Legal Counsel to The Agency and Representing and Advocating for The Agency Before the Legislature and Executive Branch of The Government, Which Includes Presenting Oral and Written Testimony to Legislative Committees. the Office of The General Counsel Also Drafts, Files, Analyzes, and Tracks Legislation that Affects the Rights of A Government Entity Clients and Agency Operations.

The Legislative Policy Counsel Will Assist the General Counsel's Team in Promoting the Best Laws and Regulations that Align with Positive Life Outcomes for A Government Entity Clients. the Legislative Policy Counsel Will Aid in Building and Maintaining Relationships with Legal and Other Associations, Research, Draft, and Track Legislation Pertinent to Our Agency and Clients, Present Written and Oral Testimony to The Legislature and Other A Government Entity Stakeholders and Generate Policy Memorandums and Periodic Reports.

Qualifications:
Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Eligible to Practice Law in This Jurisdiction as A Member of The Massachusetts Bar in Good Standing, or As an Attorney in Another Jurisdiction Who Is Eligible to Engage in Limited Massachusetts Practice Under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04;
Minimum of 5 Years' Experience in State Government or Related Field with Experience Working with The Massachusetts' State Legislature; And,
Access to A Personal Computer with Home Internet Access Sufficient to Work Remotely.

Qualifications/skills:

Knowledge of The Legislative Process and Media Relations;
Strong Leadership Skills and Qualities;
Significant Public Sector Experience, Including Public Policy and Budget Advocacy;
Understand and Embrace the Principles of Zealous Advocacy for Indigent Persons for Whom There Is a Right to Court-Appointed Counsel;
Strong Communication, Analytical, Interpersonal, Negotiation and Decision-Making Skills;
Ability to Work with Courts, State Administrators and Agencies, and Legislators;
Experience Working with Organizations Providing Legal Services to Indigent Persons; And,
Ability to Speak Publicly and Write Speeches and Presentations for Others.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities
Specific Duties of The Role:

Building and Maintaining Relationships with Legal and Other Associations to Promote the Welfare of A Government Entity Clients;
Researching, Drafting and Tracking Legislation Pertinent to The Provision of Legal Services and The Laws that Affect Our Clients;
Advocating for The Interests of The Agency and Its Clients to The Executive Branch, the Legislature, the Judiciary, and Advocacy Groups, as Well as National, State, and Community Groups;
Generating Policy Memorandums for Distribution to Policy Makers and The General Public;
Assisting the General Counsel in Representing and Advocating on Behalf of The Agency Before the Legislative and Executive Branches;
Drafting, Filing and Analyzing Legislation that Affects the Rights of Clients and Agency Operations;
Presenting Written and Oral Testimony Before Legislative Committees, Coalition Meetings and Conferences;
Providing Periodic Reports to The General Counsel and Chief Counsel to Be Presented at The A Government Entity Governing Board;
Establishing and Maintaining a Resources Bank; And,
Other Duties as Assigned.