Associate Counsel - Boston Municipal Court

MTC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Municipal Court Department is seeking an Associate Counsel in Boston to perform legal research, draft memoranda and policies, and support court rule development. This role requires strong writing, precise analysis, and the ability to coordinate with the Departmental Chief Justice and other officials.

The position falls under Management pay grade with a starting salary based on qualifications and experience, and entails serving as staff to committees and contributing to department-wide

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Massachusetts Bar membership with two years of relevant legal experience.
• Strong legal research and memorandum writing knowledge.
• Knowledge of MA judicial system, MA General Laws, and court procedures.
• Proficiency with computer software including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate clearly, work independently, travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice to the Chief Justice, judges, Clerk-Magistrates, Deputy Court Administrator, other court officials and personnel on legal and policy issues.
• Perform legal research and analysis of relevant case law.
• Draft memoranda and guidelines to assist courts in implementing new policies, forms, or procedures; inform the bar and public.
• Draft and review legislation affecting the Boston Municipal Court Department and advise staff.
• Act as staff to advisory committees; prepare materials for meetings and reports.
• Support department initiatives and related duties as required.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Official Title:

Associate Counsel - Boston Municipal Court

Pay Grade:

Management

Salary Range:

MGT Entry Level Pay $93,183.22 to Pay Range Maximum $137,488.26

Salary Notes:

This position is designated as Management. Starting Salary will be based on a review of qualifications and experience.

Departmental Mission Statement:

Given our unique responsibility to advance the fair administration of justice, the Boston Municipal Court Department is devoted to the rule of law through the conscientious and expeditious resolution of disputes, with a commitment to restoring the human spirit through correction, education, respect and compassion.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
http://www.mass.gov/courts/bostonmunicipalcourt/index.html

Notes:

• Previous work history in state government preferred
• Previous court experience preferred

Position Summary:

Working within the Boston Municipal Court Administrative Office, an Associate Counsel performs legal research, prepares legal memoranda and other documents, assists in the development and implementation of court rules and policies, and serves as staff to various committees. Associate Counsel also contribute to the work of various departmental court initiatives. Candidates must possess professional legal research and writing ability, excellent communication skills, along with an attention to detail, and an ability to work cooperatively with the Departmental Chief Justice, as well as other officials and staff of the court divisions of the Boston Municipal Court Department, and with other Trial Court Departments. Additionally, candidates will possess a commitment to public service, as well as a commitment to the delivery of justice.

Supervision Received:

Work is performed under the general direction of the Departmental Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, and Chief Legal Counsel, or other designee; and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides advice and assistance to the Chief Justice, judges, Clerk-Magistrates, Deputy Court Administrator, other court officials and other personnel on a wide-variety of legal and policy issues;
• Performs legal research and analysis of relevant case law;
• Drafts correspondence in response to complaints, questions and requests for information from the public, attorneys, judges, court officials and other government agencies;
• Drafts memoranda and guidelines to assist courts in implementing new policies, forms, or procedures; Provides information to members of the bar and the general public;
• Reviews and recommends to the Chief Justice appropriate action on requests for inter-departmental judicial assignments, case transfers within the Department, special assignments due to conflicts and other problems, and drafts orders effectuating the same;
• Drafts and reviews legislation affecting the Boston Municipal Court Department and provides advice and training to Department personnel regarding such legislation;
• Acts as professional staff to special advisory committees. Prepares materials for meetings, prepares reports, and works directly with committee members;
• and Performs related duties as required.

Job Competencies:

• Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Boston Municipal Court Department and the Trial Court.
• Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Boston Municipal Court missions.
• Applied Knowledge Understanding of legal research, preparing legal memoranda and other documents, contributing to the development and implementation of court rules and policies.
• Problem Solving Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action.
• Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve himself or herself through professional development.
• Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Customer Service Fosters a departmental environment emphasizing conduct that is courteous and professional toward both Trial Court employees and the public.
• Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited law school;
• Membership in the Massachusetts Bar and two years of relevant legal experience;
• Considerable knowledge and experience performing legal research and legal memoranda;
• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system, the Massachusetts General Laws, court procedures, and the operations of state government;
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software, including Microsoft Office;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with court officials, judges, attorneys, and the general public, and to maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to analyze administrative problems and to develop feasible solutions; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis;
• Ability to work independently and to establish work priorities;
• Reputation for ethical and moral behavior;
• Ability to work with others and maintain a professional and friendly working environment;
• Ability to collaborate with departmental court staff in supporting the Mission of the Boston Municipal Court Department;
• Self-motivation and a commitment to continuing professional development; and Ability to travel to court locations throughout the Department.