General Counsel

Boston Water & Sewer Commission; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston Water & Sewer Commission is seeking a Senior Legal Advisor to oversee legal department operations, manage litigation, and provide counsel to the Executive Director. Qualified candidates should have a Juris Doctor, extensive supervisory experience, and a strong background in municipal law.

Responsibilities include negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and representing the Commission in various legal matters. This position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage complex legal issues effectively.

Qualifications

• Requires 25 years admission to the Massachusetts Bar and 15 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience with civil and federal litigation is a must.
• Advanced knowledge of municipal and environmental law required.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Executive Director and perform legal representation.
• Manage the Law Division and provide internal counsel.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and oversee programs.

Skills

Municipal law

Environmental law

Project management skills

Supervisory skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Admission to the Massachusetts Bar

Job description

Position Purpose

Oversees the high-level professional and supervisory work involved in advising the Executive Director on legal matters and managing all activities of the legal department; represents the Commission in litigation and administrative matters.

Essential Functions

• Advises the Executive Director and the Board of Commissioners on legal issues.
• Manages the Law Division.
• Provides representation of the Commission, its members, officers, and employees in litigation and administrative matters through internal or external counsel.
• Approves all contracts, leases, easements, and official documents to form.
• Negotiates all contracts and other agreements with third parties on behalf of the Commission.
• Implements policies for service improvements and maximum efficiencies.
• Makes final decisions regarding the direction or solutions to issues and projects and communicates plans with supervisors.
• Oversees compliance with the Consent Decree (Commission-wide) and represents the Commission in environmental compliance matters against outside parties, EPA, and DOJ.
• Manages ongoing programs related to the Consent Decree, Lead and Copper Rule, and other water, sewer or stormwater programs related to compliance, in conjunction with other Commission Departments.
• Attends public meetings and presents testimony or other projects.
• Communicates with internal parties (employees, management, directors, etc.) and with external parties (outside counsel, adverse parties, customers, claimants and general public).
• Represents the Commission in litigation in various courts and administrative proceedings.
• Coordinates work activities with other Commission departments or outside agencies to prevent delays in actions required to improve services to the public.
• Ensures adherence to collective bargaining agreements and other Commission policies and initiates staff actions such as promotions, transfers, discharges and disciplinary measures; evaluates staff performance and recommends training where required.
• Maintains involvement in the resolution of all grievances.
• Interviews job applicants from eligibility lists and prepares individual recommendations. Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situations dictate.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; admission to the Massachusetts Bar for at least 25 years, with at least 15 years in a supervisory capacity, preferably in the public sector; required civil and federal litigation experience; experience in municipal and utility services, water, wastewater and/or construction industry; at least 5 years in the public sector; experience managing large contractual annual budgets; experience with internal and external communication and marketing strategies governing construction projects. Licensed attorney in Massachusetts and member in good standing of the State Bar Association. Additional admission to the Federal US District of Massachusetts, 1st Circuit Court of Appeals is helpful. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is acceptable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Advanced working knowledge of municipal law, environmental law, real property, torts, intergovernmental relations, public employment, and litigation; knowledge of legal procedures and departmental policies; knowledge of supervising supervisors; working knowledge of litigation procedures; knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and other Commission employment policies.

Ability: Think tactically and analytically; communicate effectively and tactfully with staff and the public; analyze laws; compose correspondence; prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously despite frequent interruptions; operate a computer with intermediate MS Office skills; manage staff; create spreadsheets and maintain records; use telephone system.

Skill: Superior management skills; excellent communications skills; problem solving skills; project management skills; strong interpersonal and organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in computer applications; collaborative conflict resolution skills.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to work in the field and is regularly required to convey information to employees and the public. This position is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects and meter‑reading equipment. Employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.

Supervision

• Scope: Performs various duties of a routine to complex nature following acceptable standards of quality and performance; requires independent judgment in determining methods of completion and carrying out assignments.
• Received: Works under the general direction of the Executive Director and in accordance with applicable Massachusetts General Laws, city policies and relevant state, federal, and local regulations and standards. Follows established work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental policies and standards; issues are referred to supervisor.
• Given: Legal Department Staff.

Job Environment

• Work is performed under typical office conditions; work environment is moderately noisy.
• Operates computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, and other standard office equipment.
• Contacts are by phone, through correspondence, and in person; they generally consist of an information exchange dialogue, discussing routine and semi‑complex issues.
• Has access to confidential information including personnel records which requires discretion and professional office protocols.
• Errors could result in delay of department services and have legal and/or financial repercussions.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.