Chief Legal Officer — Education Policy & Litigation

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Everett (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education seeks a General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer to serve as the department's chief legal officer, reporting to the Commissioner. The role provides strategic legal advice, oversees litigation with the Attorney General’s Office, and leads the Legal Office, including investigations and budget matters.

The successful candidate will supervise attorneys and staff, draft legal memoranda, and coordinate with state and federal agencies on

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Commissioner’s executive team and cabinet.
• Provide timely, strategic legal advice to the Commissioner, BESE, and senior DESE administrators.
• Advise DESE on state and federal laws governing public elementary, secondary, career-technical, and adult basic education programs.
• Lead, manage, and mentor the attorneys and staff in the Legal Office.

Skills

Massachusetts Bar

Legal experience

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Supervisory skills

Employment law

Open Meeting Law

Communication skills

Ethical standards

Confidentiality

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education seeks a General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer to serve as the department's chief legal officer, reporting to the Commissioner. The role provides strategic legal advice, oversees litigation with the Attorney General’s Office, and leads the Legal Office, including investigations and budget matters.

The successful candidate will supervise attorneys and staff, draft legal memoranda, and coordinate with state and federal agencies on