Deputy General Counsel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive employee benefits

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job summary

A state government agency in Boston seeks a Deputy General Counsel to provide legal guidance for public assistance programs. The role involves supervising attorneys, representing the agency in litigation, and drafting legislation. Ideal candidates should have significant legal experience including litigation, and a strong commitment to public service. This hybrid position requires on-site work twice a week in Boston, offering a pivotal opportunity to impact the lives of Massachusetts citizens.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of legal or management experience required.
• Three years or more in litigation or administrative law preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws relating to public assistance programs.
• Demonstrated management and supervisory abilities.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in civil litigation.
• Supervise staff attorneys and monitor legal processes.
• Draft proposed legislation and agency regulations.
• Draft proposed legislation and agency regulations.
• Lead and mentor staff attorneys through meetings, editing, and review of documents.
• Provide program-area support to the General Counsel and DTA management as needed.
• Communicate DTA legal goals to state agencies, the legislature, and advocacy groups.

Skills

Legal analysis

Oral advocacy

Written advocacy

Litigation strategy

Interpersonal relationships

Interpersonal skills

Management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Deputy General Counsel (2600006U)

Job Description

Deputy General Counsel - (2600006U)

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) seeks a diligent, adept, strategic, and collaborative Deputy General Counsel. DTA implements public assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and provides benefits for thousands of Commonwealth citizens with a focus on helping individuals and families become self‑sufficient through work and breaking the cycle of dependency. With your legal experience and commitment to drive change, you can help make an impact and improve the lives of others.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will supervise legal matters Virtual relating to litigation, public assistance program policy and contracts. As Deputy General Counsel, you will work with the General Counsel to supervise a team of attorneys handling class‑action litigation, Superior Court litigation, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) complaints, statutory and regulatory review, contract drafting, and public records requests. You will work closely with the Commissioner, General Counsel, and DTA management to assist with DTA program operations, initiatives, project implementation, and policies.

DTA attracts people who are passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast‑paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent the Department and assist the Attorney General’s office in representing the Department in civil litigation. Litigation activities may include court appearances, researching and drafting legal memoranda and other pleadings, and ensuring timely and accurate responses to discovery requests.
• Draft and monitor the oversight of procurements, contracts, and interagency service agreements.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal and state laws relating to public assistance programs, including SNAP, and regularly communicate same to Department staff.
• Draft proposed legislation and agency regulations.
• Work closely with the General Counsel to direct, plan, and support activities of staff attorneys through individual meetings, consultation, editing, and reviewing written documents.
• As needed, provide support to the General Counsel regarding all program areas and staff direction.
• Communicate DTA’s legal goals and policies with other state agencies, federal oversight agencies, the legislature, the Attorney General’s office, and advocacy groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of seven years of legal or management experience, including three years or more in litigation or administrative law.
• Demonstrated skills in legal analysis, oral and written advocacy, litigation strategy, and developing effective and productive interpersonal relationships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of specific legal requirements and general principles relating to administrative and constitutional law, public procurements, state finance, and the substantive body of extensive federal and state statutory and regulatory law governing the public assistance programs administered by DTA, including but not limited to SNAP.
• Ability to keep apprised of ever‑changing legal requirements.
• Effective management and supervisory skills.

Please Note

While subject to change, this position is currently a hybrid position and the selected candidate is required to work onsite in a DTA office for two (2) days per week; one (1) day of which must be in DTA’s Administrative Coutness Office in Boston, MA while, subject to availability, the other day may be in another Department office.

About the Department of Transitional Assistance

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low‑income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long‑term economic self‑sufficiency. DTA serves one in six residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP), as well as workforce training opportunities.

Pre‑Offer Process

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licorange and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

For questions, please contact the Officeարմ Human Resources at 1‑800‑510‑4122 and select option #4.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least joh(A) seven (7) years of full‑time or, equivalent part‑time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Salary and Benefits

Salary placement is determined letzter by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non‑management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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 Equalwords Opportunity / Affirmative 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‑ground 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.

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Porshia Gray/[e-mail] - 8572758179.