Attorney Advisor Unit Supervisor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,276 - 131,704; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks an Attorney Advisor Unit Supervisor responsible for supervising a unit of Attorney Advisors. You will manage investigations and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

The ideal candidate holds a Juris Doctor degree and has at least three years of legal practice. Strong leadership and communication skills are vital, along with knowledge of anti-discrimination law. A competitive salary package is offered, ranging from $90,276.16 to $131,704.30 annually.

Qualifications

• Must have admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• Minimum of three years of experience in the practice of law.
• Must have a valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the Attorney Advisor Unit.
• Monitor compliance with laws and regulations.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Advise agency staff on legal matters.
• Train and onboard new Attorney Advisors.

Skills

Problem-solving

Consensus-building

Team-building

Effective communication

Anti-discrimination law knowledge

Conflict resolution

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Job description

Attorney Advisor Unit Supervisor

MCAD is an independent state agency whose mission is to eradicate discrimination and enforce the state’s anti‑discrimination laws. The incumbent supervises Attorney Advisors and the unit, managing daily operations, investigations, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, plan, review, and evaluate work product and performance of Attorney Advisors.
• Supervise and monitor various activities, services, or functions of the Attorney Advisor Unit through observation, interviews, regular unit meetings, performance evaluations, and conferences to ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, program goals, and to provide verbal and written feedback regarding performance, including timely completion of Unit Employee Performance Review Forms (EPRS).
• Manage and supervise Attorney Advisors and assigned unit activities to ensure efficient and effective operations and compliance with laws, rules, regulations and policies, including complaint review through CCMS, motions, investigative dispositions, and appeals.
• Work alongside the Chief and Deputy Chief of Investigations and Investigative Supervisors to monitor investigations as necessary.
• Review legal work for the unit, including dispositions, orders, subpoenas, and legal memoranda.
• Resolve legal issues; conduct legal research and writing.
• Oversee the resolution of initial jurisdictional issues in cases encountered during the processing of a complaint.
• Review cases with the intent of identifying novel legal issues, which may be of interest to the Commission in establishing new law or public policy, and refer those cases to the General Counsel and Chief of Investigations for consideration for full Commission review.
• Provide on‑the‑job training for employees and successfully onboard new Attorney Advisors.
• Advise agency staff on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and judicial or quasi‑judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations.
• Assist in developing policy and procedures consistent with regulations and statutes, ensuring case processing and management.
• Assist the Chief of Investigations in overseeing day‑to‑day operations of the Division.
• Advise the Chief of Investigations on matters of agency function, Division staffing, legal matters, and interpretation of rules, regulations, statutes, guidelines, and applicable contracts and laws.
• Act as liaison and communicate effectively with assigned agency personnel to provide information concerning compliance with laws, rules, regulations, etc.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, parties, and attorneys concerning agency policies and procedures and laws, rules, and regulations governing agency activities.
• Review draft investigative dispositions.
• Constitute Lack of Probable Cause appeals as assigned, and make recommendations on disposition.
• Review and analyze reports, memoranda, etc., prepared by subordinates for accuracy, completeness, content, and take appropriate action to resolve problems.
• Confer with Chief of Investigations, other management staff, Commissioners and other agency personnel to provide information, resolve problems, and/or recommend changes in policies and procedures.
• Perform other related investigative and administrative duties and functions as required by the Commission.
• Provide backup services and functions for the Attorney Advisors Unit and the Chief of Investigations as needed.
• Participate in training seminars and speaking engagements as designated by the Chief of Investigations.
• Keep the Chief of Investigations timely informed regarding activity in the unit and any personnel matters.
• Appropriately and timely recognize the individual achievements of unit members.
• All other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant problem‑solving, consensus‑building, and team‑building skills.
• Superior ability to communicate effectively, in written and oral presentations, the Commission’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of anti‑discrimination and labor law.
• Experience working and managing personnel in a union environment.
• Ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically and tactfully.
• Ability to travel for job‑related purposes.

Minimum Qualifications

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 the assignment.

Salary

90,276.16 – 131,704.30 annually.

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self‑select out of opportunities if they do not meet 100 % of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.