Counsel II - Boston Legal

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Counsel II - Boston Legal (2600006E)

The Massachusetts Department of Correction has immediate openings for staff attorneys (Counsel II) in its Boston Legal Office. The attorney in this position will be responsible for defending correctional employees in civil rights litigation in the state and federal courts involving constitutional issues, conditions of confinement, medical care, class actions and systems litigation, and will provide in-house counsel on a variety of matters as required.

Litigation duties include travel to state correctional facilities and state and federal courts located throughout the Commonwealth.

The attorney will be responsible for conducting jury and non-jury trials, as well as oral arguments before the Commonwealth's state trial courts, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, Federal District Courts, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals, with the majority of cases filed in Boston or in contiguous counties. The attorney is also responsible for interviewing witnesses at 13 state correctional institutions and obtaining relevant institutional records;

consulting with other DOC staff and parties involved; reviewing case files; defending clients at depositions; responding to discovery and conducting legal research; and preparing motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. The attorney is also responsible for providing legal advice as in‑house counsel to all DOC employees, including the interpretation of applicable laws, regulations and case decisions impacting DOC. Perform other duties as assigned.

• 75% state‑paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts 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 competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
• Long‑Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

*** A valid driver’s license is needed to travel to/from the courts, not all of which are located near public transportation.

The ideal candidate for the position will be an experienced litigation attorney. Candidates should have excellent academic backgrounds, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in criminal justice issues is strongly preferred.

This is a Civil Service position. Please note that salaries for union positions are determined according to the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreement. Applicants must have no felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. . The Massachusetts Department of Correction shall not hire anyone who may have direct contact with offenders, who has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997;

or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.

The DOC urges bilingual applicants to apply.

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 and (A) at least three years of full‑time, or equivalent part‑time, professional experience in the practice of law.

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