General Counsel – 200007R3 (Boston, MA Office)
Employer: Massachusetts Civil Service Commission
Posted: November 23, 2020
Description:
The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission (Commission) is a quasi-judicial appellate board whose mission is to ensure that public employment decisions are made based on merit, free of any personal or political bias.
The Commission hears and decides appeals by persons including, but not limited to: permanent, tenured civil service employees appealing a disciplinary action by a state agency or city or town; candidates bypassed for appointment or promotion to a state or local civil service position; civil service exam applicants contesting their examination results; and state employees seeking to be reclassified. Approximately 200-250 are received annually.
Individual members of the Commission, pursuant to Chapter 31 of the General Laws and the Standard Adjudicatory Rules of Practice and Procedure (801 CMR 1.01 et seq.), conduct hearings and then draft decisions for review by the full, 5-member Commission. Commission decisions are subject to judicial review under G.L. c. 30A.
Consistent with COVID-19 protocols, most Commission business is currently being conducted remotely and employees are working remotely.
General Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
Provide sound legal advice to Commissioners regarding G.L. c. 31, other areas of law relevant to the decision-making process; and 801 CMR 01, including those matters related to discovery, admissibility of exhibits, confidentiality, privilege, etc.
Conduct legal research on all relevant matters, including those related to issues of first impression and matters that require determining legislative intent.
When necessary, serve as a hearing officer at remote or in-person hearings across Massachusetts and draft recommended decisions for review by the Commission.
Review/edit Commission decisions drafted by Commissioners prior to issuance to ensure that decisions will withstand judicial review.
Serve as the liaison with the Office of the Attorney General, assisting with judicial challenges to Commission decisions.
Serve as: the Commission’s Records Access Officer, responding to all public records and related requests and ensuring compliance with the state’s records retention requirements; and other roles in which the incumbent has relevant experience (e.g. – ADA Coordinator, etc.).
Supervise law students participating in a law clerk program in which 2nd and 3rd year law students assist the Commission by attending hearings and writing draft decisions.
Assist with the development of rules, policies, and procedures and implement those adopted by the Commission.
Required Qualifications:
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and a current license to practice law in Massachusetts.
At least six years of experience working in a law firm, corporate in-house legal department, government agency or non-profit organization, or similar setting.
Ability to work remotely.
Ability to work independently, manage caseloads, and complete other tasks with limited administrative support.
Ability to travel throughout the commonwealth as assigned and necessary
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and with video conferencing platforms (i.e. Webex, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Demonstrated proficiency in legal research methods, procedures and analysis, oral and written advocacy, and creative problem-solving.
Ability to communicate clearly, practically, and logically in verbal and written forms.
Sound judgment skills and discipline in handling confidential information with discretion.
Strong analytical skills.
Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing agency operations.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
Preferred Qualifications:
At least six years of experience in labor or employment law – public sector preferred.
Past experience working at, with, or before the Civil Service Commission or a similar quasi-judicial agency or the equivalent.
Ability to become proficient with case tracking software (e.g. – Time Matters).
Pre-Hire Process:
Any candidate interviews will be done remotely via Webex video conferencing and will be audio/video recorded.
A background check will be completed on the recommended candidate. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.