General Counsel - (2500083S)

Southern Arkansas University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A state agency in Massachusetts is seeking a highly experienced legal professional to oversee the development and implementation of legal policies. The successful candidate will have at least 15 years of legal practice, with a strong emphasis on public administration law. Responsibilities include advising on legal frameworks, drafting regulations, and supervising a large team of attorneys. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for fostering collaboration and resolving complex legal issues within the agency.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of legal practice with 4 in public administration law.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing legal teams effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal policies and provide advice to agency representatives.
• Draft and review regulations and legal documents.
• Supervise and promote performance within the Legal Office.

Skills

Legal expertise

Leadership

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

- Confer with the Commissioner and collaborate with DDS managers, clinical staff, legislators, and advocates to develop and implement legal policies aligned with Department goals.

- Advise agency representatives and coordinate with stakeholders to establish appropriate legal frameworks supporting DDS operations.

- Draft, review, and revise Department regulations, contracts, and legal opinions to ensure enforcement capability and legal compliance.

- Represent the Department in major legal proceedings and coordinate litigation strategy with the Attorney General 's Office to support policy implementation.

- Promote high performance and accountability within the Legal Office by supervising attorneys and guiding professional development.

- Strengthen the Legal Office ' s capacity to deliver responsive legal services to individuals supported by DDS across the Commonwealth.

- Serve as a liaison to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and other executive offices to align legal positions and coordinate initiatives.

- Engage with plaintiffs' counsel, parents ' groups, citizen organizations, and advocates to resolve legal issues and promote collaborative understanding.

- Present and explain Department legal positions in public forums to foster transparency and address complex or sensitive topics.

- Lead hiring, promotion, discipline, and oversight of Legal Office staff; supervise the Director of the National Criminal Background Check Unit to ensure compliance and effective operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

- A minimum of 15 years of legal practice, including at least four years in public administration law, is strongly recommended.

- Experience working for or closely with a large, complex organization, preferably a public agency for a minimum of two years, is preferred. This requirement may be waived for candidates who demonstrate exceptional legal expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead and integrate legal and policy matters in a multidisciplinary environment.

- Extensive knowledge of public administration law and the ability to interpret and apply legal principles to complex policy issues while balancing legal requirements, public expectations, and operational realities.

- Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial competency in overseeing large legal teams, including supervision of approximately 25 attorneys and 35 paralegals/support staff managing high-volume caseloads.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive legal documents, policies, and guidance for diverse audiences.

- Experience providing timely, strategic, and practical legal advice to senior leadership across a broad range of topics, including informed consent, contracts, licensing, civil and criminal law, Medicaid regulations, and constitutional/civil rights issues, especially those arising in class action litigation.

- Demonstrated ability to effectively advocate for complex and potentially controversial legal positions in public and high stakes forums.

- Skilled in fostering consensus, resolving conflict, and cultivating collaborative relationships across agencies and stakeholder groups.

- Ability to navigate sensitive legal and policy challenges with discretion, integrity, and a commitment to equitable outcomes.

About the Department of Developmental Services

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports.

The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.