Public Records Staff Attorney

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a Staff Attorney in the Public Records Division to administer the Massachusetts Public Records Law, review appeals, draft determinations, and provide legal support to the Supervisor. The role involves legal research, advising on matters of first impression, and trainings for records officers across municipalities and agencies.

The position requires strong legal writing, timely communication, and the ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate timely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Strong legal writing skills.
• Law Review or Journal experience preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex legal research involving state and federal case-law, statutes, regulations, Attorney General Opinions, Executive Orders and prior Supervisor Determinations.
• Review appeals from public records requesters who have been denied access to government records.
• Draft administrative Public Records Law determinations on issues including privacy, police records, settlement agreements, government contracts.
• Responds to inquiries from records custodians, records requesters and general public relating to the Public Records Law.
• Provides legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression.
• Conducts trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested.
• Provides general legal support for the Division, including the Commissions Section.
• Some in-state travel may be required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal writing

Communication skills

Multitasking

Discretion

Law Review experience

Education

Massachusetts Bar admission

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Public Records Staff Attorney (260005I4)

Job Description

Public Records Staff Attorney - ( 260005I4 )

About this position

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking candidates for a Staff Attorney position in the Public Records Division (Division). The Division (Division) administers the updated Massachusetts Public Records Law. Under the authority of the Supervisor of Records (Supervisor), the Division processes and issues determinations on appeals from petitioners denied access to government records; responds to inquires involving the interpretation of public records statutes and regulations; and provides training to government employees and their agents throughout Massachusetts. The Staff Attorney will work in fast-paced, deadline driven environment and will be responsible for providing legal support to the Supervisor and Division in administering the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

Representative tasks

• Performs complex legal research involving state and federal case-law, statutes, regulations, Attorney General Opinions, Executive Orders and prior Supervisor Determinations;
• Review appeals from public records requesters who have been denied access to government records;
• Draft administrative Public Records Law determinations on issues including privacy, police records, settlement agreements, government contracts;
• Responds to inquiries from records custodians, records requesters and general public relating to the Public Records Law;
• Provides legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression;
• Conducts trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested;
• Provides general legal support for the Division, including the Commissions Section;
• Some in-state travel may be required;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required

• Ability to communicate timely and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Strong legal writing skills;
• Law Review or Journal experience preferred;
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines;
• Ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner.

About us

The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office comprises 23 departments across 19 locations around Massachusetts.

As the third-ranking constitutional officer in Massachusetts, the Secretary of the Commonwealth serves as the chief election officer, chief information officer, and chief securities regulator in Massachusetts. Additionally, the office is charged with registering business entities and lobbyists, distributing grants for historic preservation, safeguarding the state's public records and artifacts, and much more.

Whatever your background or area of interest, there is a place for you at the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.

Statement of Diversity and Anti-Discrimination

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the 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. It is the policy of The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Disability Accommodation

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact ADA Coordinator Rebecca Murray at 617-878-3107 or [e-mail]

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement for Employment

As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

This position is not eligible for remote work.

Total Compensation

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are offered a great career opportunity to influence a wide spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
• Tuition benefits for employee at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Incentive-based Wellness Programs
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Admission to the Massachusetts Bar preferred, but will consider recent graduates.

Primary Location

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Secretary of State

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Aug 10 2026, 3:19:12 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

62,500.00 - 62,500.00 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No