Assistant General Counsel - Litigation

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department is seeking an experienced attorney to represent the Department in litigation in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. You will manage cases from filing through appeal, and prepare legal memoranda on pertinent issues for the General Counsel.

The role includes handling special hearings, reviewing contracts and policies, and advising on civil litigation matters.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of MA and Federal court systems.
• Experience in civil litigation demonstrated through prior work.
• Ability to conduct legal research and draft memoranda and briefs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Interviewing techniques and deposition preparation.
• Ability to present effective oral arguments.
• Bar admission in Massachusetts and Federal Court.
• Familiarity with department policies; bilingual is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Sheriff, the Department and employees in litigation filed in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies.
• Manage all aspects of case handling from filing through the appellate process for assigned cases.
• Serve as a special hearing officer on discipline proceedings and fact-finding hearings as assigned.
• Represent the Department in labor relations, negotiations and arbitration proceedings.
• Review correspondence from opposing counsel and respond appropriately.
• Assist in reviewing, drafting and compiling contract documents.
• Assist in reviewing, drafting and compiling departmental policies.
• Research and draft legal memoranda on issues affecting the Department.
• Investigate incidents as assigned and report findings to General Counsel.
• Respond to public records requests and civil subpoenas to the Department.
• Learn and perform new duties as assigned; perform additional duties as needed.
• Perform other duties as Sheriff or designee may assign.

Skills

Massachusetts & Federal courts

Criminal justice system

Oral & written communication

Interviewing techniques

Oral advocacy

Legal research & memos

Civil litigation experience

Bar admission MA & Federal

Policy familiarity

Bilingual English/Spanish

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Represents department in litigation, researches legal issues and prepares memoranda on pertinent legal topics as assigned by the General Counsel; performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of the General Counsel. In the absence of the General Counsel, works under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides guidance and assistance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel's Office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Represents the Sheriff, the Department and departmental employees in litigation filed in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies;
2. Responsible for all aspects of case management, from the commencement of the action through the appellate process, on cases assigned by the General Counsel;
3. Acts as a special hearing officer on discipline proceedings and fact finding hearings as appointed by the General Counsel;
4. Represents the Department in various labor relation, negotiations and arbitration proceedings;
5. Reviews correspondence from opposing counsel and responds appropriately;
6. Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of contract documents;
7. Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of departmental policies;
8. Researches and drafts legal memoranda regarding legal issues relating to the Department;
9. Investigates and reports on incidents/issues as assigned by the General Counsel;
10. Responds to public record requests and civil subpoenas sent to the Department;
11. Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned; and
12. Performs such additional duties as the Sheriff or designee may assign from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts and Federal Court systems;
2. Familiarity with the criminal justice system;
3. Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written form;
4. Working knowledge of and skill at interviewing techniques;
5. Ability to present effective oral arguments;
6. Ability to perform legal research and prepare memos and briefs;
7. Experience in civil litigation;
8. Admission to the Massachusetts and Federal Bar;
9. Thorough knowledge of Department policies and procedures is preferred;
10. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Represent the Department in assigned legal matters;
2. Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda and briefs;
3. Effectively prepare and present assigned cases, prepare witnesses, cross-examine opposing parties, and present oral arguments;
4. Conduct necessary depositions;
5. Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace, courthouse, and at scheduled meetings;
6. Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;
7. Knowledge of, and compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines;
8. Maintain good standing in Massachusetts and Federal bar;
9. Compliance with security procedures;
10. Obey moderately complex oral and written orders;
11. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
12. Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
13. Deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and
14. Exercise good judgment.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
2. Appear and perform in courtroom;
3. Lift up to 25 pounds;
4. Carry up to 25 pounds;
5. Climb stairs occasionally;
6. Walk short distances;
7. Use a personal computer and e-mail; and
8. Write and type.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

Participation in mandatory training