Counsel I - Northern Region

Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Revenue in Massachusetts seeks an attorney for Counsel I in the Northern Region, located in Woburn, to handle high-volume litigation and advise on child support matters.

The role requires drafting pleadings, presenting in court, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, with a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• JD required with admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• Experience in legal research, writing, and procedures.
• Knowledge of family law/domestic relations advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Draft, file, and file/efile legal pleadings in Probate and Family Court.
• Manage a high-volume litigation caseload for child support matters.
• Prepare for virtual hearings, coordinating with regional staff and evidence.
• Appear in virtual hearings to establish paternity and enforce orders.
• Update case management and CSS databases with actions taken.
• Advise CSS managers and staff on policy and procedural questions.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Discretion and sound judgment

Independent work under pressure

Interpersonal communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Massachusetts Bar admission

Tools

COMETS HD / case management systems

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Counsel I - Northern Region (2600068V)

Job Description

Counsel I - Northern Region - (2600068V)

Description

Counsel I Litigation Department of Revenue/Child Support Services Division Agency Overview

The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, enhance the well-being of children by partnering with parents and caregivers to meet the financial needs of the family, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management.

Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused and transparent.

Division Overview

The mission of the Department of Revenue’sChild Support Services Division is to enhance the well-being of children by partnering with parents and caregivers to meet the financial needs of the family. Effective child support services are an essential part of the larger effort by the Commonwealth and the federal government to promote families' economic self-sufficiency.

DOR/CSE’s core functions are to establish parentage, and establish, enforce and modify child support and health insurance orders. Much of our success depends on collaborations with a wide variety of state agencies and private entities.

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Child Support Services Division seeks an attorney for a Counsel I position for the Litigation team in its Northern Region office located in Woburn.

DOR/CSS utilizes a hybrid work model where employees work both in-office and remotely, depending on operational needs.Candidatesmust ensure they have the appropriate work environment for telework, including but not limited to, connectivity, and resource access to conduct their job duties while remote. Candidates must be able to supervise and be supervised remotely and must be able to work effectively in an isolated setting. Candidates must be organized, highly disciplined, conscientious, motivated, and committed to utilizing identified tools for successfully performing in a remote setting. Candidates must be available to travel to their officially designated work location with as little notice as the same workday should an exigent circumstance arise.

Duties

• Assess, draft, and file/efile legal pleadings in various divisions of the Probate and Family Court Department.
• Manage a high-volume litigation caseload to support the financial needs of the family and to ensure compliance with statutory and procedural requirements, state and federal timelines for health insurance, and agency policies and procedures.
• Prepare for virtual case conferencing sessions and/or virtual court hearings: including conferring with regional staff to obtain necessary case information and documents; perform necessary legal research and analysis; prepare case summaries; and organize case information.
• Appear at virtual case conferencing sessions and/or virtual court hearingsto establish legal paternity; establish, modify and enforce orders for child support and health insurance; and address customer issues.
• Review case inventory on a regular and consistent basis to control inventory and minimize backlogs; and refer cases to appropriate regional staff when legal action is not pursuable.
• Report to supervisor concerning backlogs, including identifying problem cases, proposed solutions; and developing strategies to eliminate backlogs.
• Update CSS’s case management system (COMETS HD) and other case tracking systems with actions taken.
• Advocate DOR’s interests in a legally sound manner by correctly interpreting and applying state and federal laws, statutes and regulations regarding child support services, and agency policies.
• Determine the best means to inform customers concerning what actions the agency will or will not take on their cases, risks (including physical or emotional risks related to domestic violence/family safety), time frames, and what actions the customer needs to take to cooperate with the agency.
• Identify means to resolve disputes between customers and the agency.
• Serve as in house CSS counsel by responding to inquiries from internal and external CSS customers, including, but not limited to, providing legal case consultation to CSS managers and staff; informing judges, private counsel, and other customers of DOR policy and procedures; and delivering quality legal services to CSS litigants.
• Treat litigants with dignity and respect at all times; and handle confrontation in a professional manner.
• Promote and foster a positive image of the agency and its representatives.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in state-wide workgroups and special projects.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of law
• Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.
• Experience in family law/domestic relations.
• Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and write reports.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, and apply the law, rules and regulationsgoverning operations.
• Strong research and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, andhandle confidential assignments.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to convey information and explain actions to customers with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in high volume office and court environments.
• Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

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 / Affiantive Action 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 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 I

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Woburn-100 Trade Ctr Suite 760

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Department of Revenue

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 28, 2026, 3:48:19 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

80,411.50 - 117,590.46 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affi... or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Gabriella Knight - 8572861554

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes