Counsel II - Legal - Bridgewater State Hospital

Official Title

Counsel II

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) has an opening for a staff attorney (Counsel II) in its Bridgewater State Hospital Legal Office. The attorney will conduct weekly civil commitment hearings pursuant to G.L. c. 123 and District Court Rogers petitions filed by the Bridgewater State Hospital, pursue guardianship petitions in various probate courts, and handle civil commitment petitions in the Superior Court.

The attorney is also responsible for conducting jury and non-jury trials and oral arguments before the state and federal trial and appellate courts, defending correctional officials in cases involving constitutional issues, conditions of confinement, medical care, class actions and systems litigation. The attorney will conduct discoveries, interview witnesses, obtain relevant institutional records, review case files, consult with DOC staff and involved parties, conduct and defend depositions, perform legal research, and prepare motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs.

The attorney will also provide in‑house counsel advice to DOC employees, including interpretation of applicable laws, regulations, and case decisions impacting DOC. Perform other duties as assigned. This Counsel II position is a full‑time (9‑5) position located within a state correctional institution in Bridgewater, MA.

• 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 – 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 will be an experienced litigation attorney with an excellent academic background 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. 15601‑15609. 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 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 driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

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…