Assistant General Counsel

Boston Water & Sewer Commission; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Water & Sewer Commission seeks a licensed Massachusetts attorney to provide high‑level legal representation in all aspects of BWSC’s mission to deliver water and sewer services to Boston.

The role includes advising on litigation, labor, real estate, regulatory matters, and public policy, with opportunities to draft complex contracts and participate in Board meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school is required.
• Two (2) years of attorney experience; trial experience helpful.
• Licensed Attorney in Massachusetts and in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel in litigation, labor and employment, real estate, torts, operations and planning, regulation, and enforcement.
• Appear before courts and administrative bodies on behalf of BWSC.
• Draft memoranda, contracts, licenses, easements, and procedures.
• Review statutes, agreements, licenses, and regulatory documents.
• Represent BWSC in bill disputes at hearings or court and respond to information requests.

Skills

Legal counsel

Litigation

Research and writing

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Westlaw

MS Office

GIS

Job description

Employees must be Boston residents on their date of hire and for the duration of their employment subject to BWSC policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Position Purpose

Performs complex, high-level administrative, technical and professional work; provides legal representation to the Commission in all phases of its mission to provide water and sewer services to the City of Boston.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provides legal counsel in a number of areas including litigation, labor and employment matters, real estate transactions, tort actions, operations and planning matters, regulatory issues and enforcement matters.
• Responsible for litigation, research and writing; appears before courts and administrative bodies on behalf of the Commission.
• Assists other counsel in all phases of litigation as needed.
• Researches questions of law, public policy and fact situations and prepares memorandum of same.
• Provides the enforcement of BWSC Water Use Regulations.
• Drafts easements, licenses, motions, memorandums, procedures and contracts.
• Reviews motions, memorandums, agreements, statutes, licenses, letters, easements, policies, procedures, contracts, consent decree documentation and legislation.
• Reviews and places the Commission’s insurance lines.
• Reviews and represents the Commission in bill disputes at administrative hearings, at court and Responds verbally and in writing to questions and requests for information from other Commission staff and the public.
• Provides analysis of litigation and potential litigation.
• May attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners.
• May file proofs of claim in bankruptcy matters; assist in researching accounts for possible theft of service, and may file foreclosure actions in Land Court.
• Resolves miscellaneous issues for customers.
• Drafts administrative rules and regulations.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• before the appellate tax board.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Juris Doctor J.D. from accredited law school required. Minimum of two (2) years of experience working as an attorney; previous trial experience in civil or criminal matters is helpful. Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be a licensed Attorney in Massachusetts and a member in good standing of the State Bar Association.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge Considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchases of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, and environment; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.

Ability Prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; provide legal advice in the areas of litigation, labor and employment, environmental law, real property matters, construction, contracts, procurement, ethics, public records and public policy; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; provide the interpretation and application of law, regulations and code.

Skill Strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient skills in the use of computer applications to include MS Office, GIS, Cassworks, BESS, and Westlaw research; excellent organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to view computer screens, work with details for extended periods of time, operate standard office equipment and move throughout the office. May move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Must be able to convey information to customers, supervisor and other employees.

Supervision

Supervision Scope Performs responsible work which involves the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in administering and directing various activities. Performs all work within the established guidelines of state, federal and local regulations.

Supervision Received Work is performed under the direction of the General Counsel.

Supervision Given None.

Job Environment

• Work is performed primarily under typical office conditions; the noise level is moderately noisy.
• Operates computer, automobile, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, calculator and other standard office equipment.
• Employee has contact primarily with attorneys, customers, developers, engineers and other outside parties as well as internal employees, management and directors. Contacts are by telephone, in writing, by email and in person and involve an information exchange dialogue.
• Errors could result in delays in legal repercussions and impact to policy, employees and customers.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer