Public Records & Prosecution Attorney (RAO)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office (PCDAO) seeks a motivated, organized attorney for the Records Access Officer (RAO) position in the Public Records Unit. The RAO analyzes requests, redacts exempt material, and responds to records requests outside discovery, becoming familiar with Massachusetts public records law.

The RAO may appear in superior court, interacts with the public, victims, civil counsel, and media.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Admittance in good standing to the Massachusetts Bar with a minimum of 3 years legal experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service with an understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of the prosecutor.
• Strong computer skills and ability to use and adapt to a variety of software programs.
• Applicants should have familiarity with Adobe.
• Ability to perform legal research; knowledge of legal terminology and principles.

Responsibilities

• Keep track of all requests for records in the possession of the PCDAO that fall outside the normal course of discovery, whether submitted in oral or written form.
• Input all public record requests into the database (GOV QA).
• Legally analyze all public record requests.
• Redact legally exempt information for all responsive documents in accordance with G.L. c. 4, section 7(26).
• Apply fee guidelines under statutory guidelines.
• Respond to requests within the time frame mandated by G.L. c. 66, section 10.
• Deliver the responsive, non-exempt materials to the requester.
• Handle appeals to the Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Record Division in accordance with G. L. c. 66, section 10A (a).
• Draft legal responses and appear in superior court when requesters seek judicial review of an unfavorable decision from the Secretary of the Commonwealth in accordance with G. L. c. 66, section 10A (c).
• Reply to subpoenas.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Review drafts for accuracy.

Skills

Computer skills

Legal research

Attention to detail

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Massachusetts Bar admission with 3+ years experience

Tools

Adobe

Job description

Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office (PCDAO) seeks a motivated, organized attorney for the Records Access Officer (RAO) position in the Public Records Unit. The RAO analyzes requests, redacts exempt material, and responds to records requests outside discovery, becoming familiar with Massachusetts public records law.

The RAO may appear in superior court, interacts with the public, victims, civil counsel, and media.