Chief Legal Counsel

Fenningham, Dempster & Coval LLP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Boston is seeking a Deputy Chief Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal guidance and manage a team of lawyers. The role involves collaborating with executive leadership to align legal strategies with organizational goals, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have a J.D. and at least 10 years of relevant legal experience, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience in a public agency, law firm, or corporate environment.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to operations.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal guidance to the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Oversees representation before federal and state courts.
• Leads the Legal Department staff, including coaching and mentoring.

Skills

Leadership

Legal Strategy

Regulatory Compliance

Communication

Education

J.D.

Job description

Deputy Chief Legal Counsel, Associate Chief Legal Counsel/Litigation, Manager Administration (Department staff of 15 lawyers within the Transactions, Litigation, Real Estate, and General Counsel fields, and 7 support staff including paralegals and administrative management)

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Legal Counsel collaborates closely with the CEO, Executive Administration, and the Board of Directors, as well as major business line partners in aviation, maritime, capital programs, and real estate. The role involves aligning legal strategy with organizational priorities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and upholding governance best practices. The incumbent regularly briefs leadership on significant legal and policy matters at local, state, and federal levels.

Corporate Strategy and Legal Management

1. Provides legal guidance and general advice to the Authority's Board of Directors, Board Committees, and Executive Director on legal matters affecting Massport, including the Enabling Act, Trust Agreement, corporate, public law, litigation, bond issuances, and employment issues.
2. Advises on the interpretation and application of laws, legal precedents, and regulatory requirements related to aviation, maritime, real estate, and development operations.
3. Issues audit letters related to the Authority’s annual financial statements and oversees legal aspects of bond issuances and financial disclosures.
4. Oversees representation of Massport before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
5. Prepares and presents memoranda and supporting documents for Board actions and reviews.
6. Designs, develops, and delivers the organization's legal strategy and services, ensuring compliance and alignment with operational and strategic objectives.
7. Communicates complex legal and regulatory information clearly and precisely to diverse audiences, including leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
8. Oversees the preparation, negotiation, and review of legal instruments such as leases, concession agreements, contracts, permits, and licenses.
9. Ensures adherence to ethical standards and compliance with relevant regulations, fostering a culture of integrity.

Stakeholder and External Relationship Management

1. Represents Massport in industry, regulatory, and professional forums, advocating for the Authority’s interests.
2. Manages strategic relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders; provides legal briefings; participates in hearings and meetings.
3. Oversees outside counsel engagement and performance.

Department and Organizational Leadership

1. Provides leadership and direction to the Legal Department staff, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
2. Delegates responsibilities, disseminates policies, and manages workloads.
3. Prepares reports on departmental activities, litigation, and metrics for the Board.
4. Leads organizational planning to improve workflows, staffing, and departmental alignment with strategic priorities.

Other duties as needed.

Education Level: J.D. required.

Experience in Related Field:

Minimum of 10 years of legal experience in a public agency, law firm, or corporate environment, with broad exposure to litigation, regulatory, environmental, administrative, real estate, development, labor, employment, and public law.

Experience in a law firm or corporate setting is required.

Excellent leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills, with proven success in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the Authority’s operations is required.