Counsel II

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of State Police, Legal Department, is seeking a Counsel II to perform legal and related administrative duties, represent the department in various matters, respond to public records requests, and assist with case preparation and reporting. The role emphasizes thorough legal research, contract review, and advocacy in courts or administrative hearings.

Qualified applicants must have a JD, be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, and possess at least three

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• At least three years of legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Advise agency staff on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations and policies affecting agency operations.
• Obtain information to represent the agency in disputes by researching applicable laws and reviewing case files and evidence.
• Mediate or negotiate with opposing parties to resolve disputes and mitigate damages for the agency.

Skills

Legal research

Dispute resolution

Contract review

Court advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Massachusetts Bar admission

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Department of State Police, Legal Department is seeking a Counsel II.

The incumbent will perform legal and related administrative duties in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Represent the Department in various legal and administrative matters,review and respond to public records requests, requests for body-worn camera video, tort and other claims, in addition to assisting with the preparation of reports, analyzing data and create related work, ensuring that all work is performed in accordance with the policy and procedures of the Department and in a timely manner.

Other duties include but are not limited to:

• Advise agency staff on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations, judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations.This includes educating staff on the laws, rules, and policies governing agency operations; providing legal advice to agency staff when resolving problems and determining appropriate actions; monitoring actions of agency staff to identify legal issues or problems; and reviewing contracts to ensure that all agency activities comply with applicable laws.
• Obtain information needed to represent the agency in dispute resolution by conducting research and analysis of the applicable laws, statutes and regulations, and by reviewing case files, case history, and evidence submitted by opposing parties to understand the facts and issues and to determine the best course of action.
• Mediate or negotiate with opposing parties, when appropriate, to reach resolution, avoid litigation, and mitigate damages for the agency.
• Prepare cases and represent the agency in dispute resolution by determining case strategy; conducting discovery; identifying and presenting the most relevant and appropriate evidence and witnesses; responding to evidence and witnesses presented by opposing parties; and instructing parties and witnesses on procedural format to ensure that all testimony and evidence are properly presented.
• Draft administrative, court, and other legal documents (e.g. memos, decisions, contracts, deeds, pleadings, regulations, opinions, comments) to communicate information to interested parties and to record outcomes and decisions, ensuring that such documents are complete, accurate, available for future review and in compliance with law.
• Advocate in courts or at administrative hearings on behalf of the clients and/or the agency to ensure the consistent application of laws, to represent the interests of the agency; develop legal strategy and effectively and efficiently manage the flow of cases.
• Provide information to the public by answering inquiries regarding agency functions, services, rules, and procedures to accurately represent the agency.
• Manage and monitor individual cases, assignments and projects to ensure timely resolution of cases and to contribute to the achievement of overall agency goals.
• Communicate with representatives of other agencies, including the Legislature, and collaborate with cross-functional or cross-agency teams and stakeholders to share information, resolve issues and develop or implement new programs.
• Draft new policies and regulations or amendments to existing policies and regulations, based on legal research and agency needs, to streamline agency practices, support operational efficiencies and ensure agency compliance with laws.
• Present memoranda supporting or opposing legislation affecting agency operations.
• Perform related duties as required.

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…

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

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Framingham-470 Worcester Road

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Department of State Police

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Aug 24, 2026, 5:32:28 PM

Number of Openings

2

Salary

92,081.60 - 134,338.36 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff…

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes