Paralegal Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,578 - 94,378; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a Paralegal Specialist to provide administrative support to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The role involves managing legal files, conducting research, and assisting attorneys with their duties while ensuring effective support.

Applicants are expected to have at least two years of legal experience, along with strong organization skills, and a background in law principles. This position offers a full-time schedule with a hybrid work option.

Qualifications

• At least two years of full-time paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work.
• Possibility of substitute qualifications with relevant degrees or coursework.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and summarize findings related to public safety and security.
• Organize and manage legal files and confidential documents.
• Assist in responding to public records requests.
• Provide support to EOPSS members of Boards and Commissions.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Exceptional organization skills

Familiarity with Excel

Familiarity with Adobe Reader

Ability to exercise sound judgment

Ability to handle confidential information

Ability to write concisely

Knowledge of law principles

Education

Two years of legal research or assistant experience

Associate's or higher degree in paralegal studies

Completion of one year at a law school

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Paralegal Specialist (26000471)

About the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.

About the Role

The basic purpose of this position is to provide administrative support in connection with assigned unit activities such as office services, records control, agency legal services, etc. Incumbents in this position monitor assigned activities, confer and coordinate with agency staff, maintain liaison with others, compile, review, or analyze data, prepare reports, respond to inquiries, and perform related work as required. This position assists attorneys and coordinates their work with agency staff to achieve our mutual responsibilities.

Hybrid work is eligible, but in-person presence is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and summarize findings related to public safety and security matters.
• Organize, maintain, and manage legal files, and confidential documents.
• Participate in the legal department’s responsibilities during the budget cycle, including review of outside sections and amendments and coordination of EOPSS responses.
• Assist in responding to public records requests, including identifying applicable exemptions, communicating with the Supervisor of Public Records office and coordinating with the Communications Teams.
• Manage the secretariat’s responsibilities with respect to e-discovery, tort presentment letters, and regulations.
• Participate in the procurement process, as necessary.
• Provide necessary support to EOPSS members of Boards and Commissions.
• Participate in ongoing policy development, including attending meetings and providing suggestions and comments.
• Participate in training sessions, as necessary.
• Other related duties as the legal team or General Counsel may require.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Detail-oriented and exceptional organization skills.
• Familiarity with Excel and Adobe Reader.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to review and edit general reports.
• Ability to write concisely and effectively to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of law.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• Applicants must have at least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work.
• Or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

• I. An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.
• II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

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.

An Equal Opportunity / Affid. 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-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.

Job Information

• Official Title: Paralegal Specialist
• Job: Legal Services
• Agency: Executive Office of Public Safety & Security
• Schedule: Full-time
• Shift: Day
• Number of Openings: 1
• Salary: 65,578.50 - 94,378.44 Yearly
• Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

For Diversity, Equal Employment Opportunity or Equal Opportunity questions or if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact the Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christopher Louis - 617‑366‑7034.