Commission Counsel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks Commission Counsel to prosecute discrimination at the MCAD and defend agency decisions in courts. The role is based in Massachusetts, involves civil rights litigation and regulatory support, and offers a mix of administrative hearings and state-court appearances.

Ideal candidates hold a JD, MA Bar, and several years of litigation experience, with willingness to travel. A hybrid work option may be available depending on assignments.

Qualifications

• Five years of legal experience including civil litigation.
• Knowledge of administrative law and anti-discrimination law.
• Ability to travel for job-related purposes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for public hearings by evaluating cases and interviewing witnesses.
• Represent the agency in trial and appellate courts under supervision.
• Draft legal briefs, memoranda, complaints, and settlement documents.
• Review proposed legislation and draft regulations for agency programs.
• Provide information to the public and respond to inquiries on agency procedures.
• Conduct internal training on discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Skills

Five years of legal experience

Multilingual

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Admission to the Massachusetts Bar

At least three years of professional legal experience

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Commission Counsel (2600079E)

Job Description

Commission Counsel - ( 2600079E )

Description

Commission Counsel

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the independent state agency that enforces the Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, education, credit, and public accommodations by investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating complaints of discrimination. The MCAD also offers remedial and preventative training, and publishes resources online such as model policies, posters, and guides.

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination is seeking a self-motivated and dedicated litigation professional with a commitment to civil rights to fill the role of Commission Counsel.Working in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Commission Counsel primarily prosecute complaints of discrimination at the agency level and defend and enforce agency adjudicatory decisions in state courts.Commission Counsel also assist the OGC in the preparation of regulations and guidance and provide other legal support to the OGC and the MCAD agency-wide.Commission Counsel duties address every aspect of litigation, including negotiating settlement, engaging in discovery, motion practice, oral advocacy, and preparing briefs for submission to MCAD Hearing Officers, the MCAD Full Commission (the agency appellate body), the Superior Court, and the Appeals Court.

Commission Counsel enjoy a uniquely rewarding position in state government because they have the privilege of prosecuting civil rights violations at the administrative level, and they also appear in state court to defend and enforce MCAD final decisions vindicating victims’ rights to be free from discrimination at work, home, and in public life.The work of Commission Counsel not only makes a real difference in peoples’ lives, but it also provides unparalleled opportunity for hands-on litigation experience and valuable career development, particularly in the field of employment law.The MCAD seeks attorneys for the role of Commission Counsel who are passionate about civil rights and interested in bringing their litigation skills and legal careers to a supportive and collegial workplace filled with enriching experiences.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Prepare cases for public hearings (administrative hearings) at the MCAD by evaluating cases, interviewing witnesses, conducting discovery, determining legal strategy to be used in the prosecution, defense, or settlement of cases through all levels of administrative proceeding; review the record of the agency proceedings to identify relevant legal and factual issues; prepare legal briefs, memoranda of law, and complaints; assemble and organize supportive documentation; and represent the MCAD at public hearing.
• Under the supervision of the agency's General Counsel and the Commission Counsel Supervisor, represent the agency in trial and appellate courts in M.G.L. c. 30A and other litigation matters by interviewing witnesses; presenting evidence and oral argument; filing motions and answers to complaints; conferring in chambers with judges, magistrates, and other counsel; preparing legal memoranda and appellate briefs; arguing such briefs; and evaluating amicus requests and drafting amicus briefs.
• Advise agency staff on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and judicial or quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations.
• Develop and review drafts of proposed agency regulations, guidelines, and contracts for conformity with applicable laws and regulations and conduct legal research on matters related to agency functions.
• Draft administrative, court, settlement and other legal documents by negotiating and preparing contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments; and prepare consent orders.
• Provide information to the public by answering inquires related to agency functions, rules, and regulations and by responding to Lawyer of the Day questions, speaking before citizen groups or other interested parties regarding agency legal issues and procedures.
• Perform related activities such as writing correspondence and reports; evaluating potential damage awards in connection with discrimination complaints; updating reference materials such as laws, rules, and regulations; maintaining and updating periodic status and statistical reports and prepare summaries of cases and decisions for the annual report.
• Review proposed legislation to determine its impact on agency activities and make recommendations to the Commissioners and the OGC for action, including development of testimony and letters regarding proposed legislation.
• Recommend standard operating procedures to be adopted by the agency.
• Consult with other legal counsel and agency officials regarding the appeal of court decisions to a higher court.
• Draft regulations to effectuate anti-discrimination laws enforced by the MCAD and agency programs.
• Prepare instructions to agency units for the implementation of court decisions.
• Conduct internal and external training in the areas of discrimination in employment, housing, credit, services, public accommodations, education and on agency procedures.
• Conduct administrative hearings on appeals of investigative dismissals and prepare recommendations for MCAD Commissioners.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Five years of legal experience, including civil litigation experience.

Fluent in more than one language.

Knowledge of theory and principles of administrative law and anti-discrimination law in the areas of housing and employment.

Willingness to travel for job-related purposes.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) 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 Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff... 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 don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Counsel II

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Commission Against Discrimination

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 23, 2026, 2:12:26 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

92,081.60 - 134,338.36 Yearly

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes

If you have Diversity, Aff… need ... please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Shirani A. Jimenez - 6179946029