Division Chief | Appeals Division

Massachusetts-Office-of-the-Attorney-General; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office in Boston seeks a Division Chief of the Appeals Division to lead a team of attorneys and paralegals, overseeing a docket of approximately 400 matters across state and federal courts.

The role requires at least ten years in appellate or civil litigation, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and eligibility for federal court admissions; hybrid work with in-office presence for the first six months.

Qualifications

• Must be a practicing attorney and a member of the Massachusetts Bar.
• Must have admission to the U.S. District Court and Court of Appeals for the First Circuit or be eligible.
• Minimum ten years in appellate practice or heavy litigation with strong written and oral advocacy.
• Federal habeas corpus experience preferred.
• Prior management or supervision experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a large, varied caseload in state and federal courts.

Responsibilities

• Direct management and supervision of the Appeals Division team and docket (~400 cases).
• Assign, review, and edit legal work; advise on substantive matters and policy.
• Oversee administrative and HR operations; coordinate with AGO leadership.
• Develop training, practice guides, and supervise agency litigation.
• Contribute to criminal investigations, trial teams, and amicus activity; engage with outside agencies.

Skills

Appellate practice

Civil litigation

Oral advocacy

Legal writing

Management experience

Communication skills

Job description

DIVISION CHIEF CRIMINAL BUREAU APPEALS DIVISION (Boston Office)

Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is seeking a highly motivated attorney with extensive appellate and civil litigation experience to join her management team as Division Chief of the Appeals Division in the Criminal Bureau.

The Appeals Division defends Massachusetts convictions, criminal justice officials, and criminal laws and practices, in state and federal courts. Specifically, the Division strives to uphold convictions secured by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) when they are challenged in the Massachusetts Trial Court, Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. It also responds to all challenges in federal court to convictions obtained by the AGO and the District Attorneys’ Offices, whether through habeas corpus actions, direct appeals, or otherwise. Additionally, the Division represents Massachusetts agencies and officials when they are sued or subpoenaed in relation to criminal justice matters.

Primary Duties

The Division Chief is responsible for the direct management and supervision of the more than ten attorneys and two paralegals in the Appeals Division, and its caseload of approximately 400 criminal and civil cases in federal and state courts. The Division Chief’s duties may include: assigning, reviewing, and editing legal work; advising professionals in the Division and other units of state government on substantive legal, procedural, and policy matters; overseeing Division administrative operations and human resource matters; briefing and coordinating with AGO leadership and other governmental entities; developing training seminars and practice guides; and supervising litigation handled by agency counsel. Additionally, the Division Chief will handle a caseload of criminal and civil matters in state and federal trial and appellate courts, and will contribute, or oversee contributions, to criminal investigations, trial teams, policy initiatives, and amicus activity. The Division Chief will be expected to communicate effectively with outside agencies, and to maintain and cultivate those relationships.

Position Requirements

• Must be a practicing attorney and a member of the Massachusetts Bar.
• Must have obtained or be eligible for admission to the bar of the United States District Court and Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in appellate practice or other litigation involving a heavy emphasis upon written and oral advocacy, and in civil litigation and discovery practice.
• Experience in federal habeas corpus practice, preferred.
• Prior management and/or supervision experience required.
• Effective written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills.
• Excellent legal writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to develop and strengthen the written work of the Division.
• Ability to oversee a large, varied caseload and complex cases.

Applicants must be active members in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar at the time of application.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Location

The Assistant Attorney General hired for this position will be based out of our Boston Office. Our hybrid model may include some remote workdays for the successful candidate. For the first six months in the position, the Assistant Attorney General will be expected to work in the office at least three or four days per week.

Position Type

Full-Time/Exempt

Salary

$147,202

The application deadline for this posting is October 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM (ET).

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact the Human Resources Division at [phone].

Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to

Catherine McGuane, Managing Administrative Assistant

Criminal Bureau

[phone]

The Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As the representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the Attorney General’s Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.