Senior Counsel, Workers Compensation

MWRA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

MWRA is seeking an experienced attorney to provide legal counsel on workers' compensation and employee benefits. The role involves representing the Authority before the Department of Industrial Accidents and in court, and collaborating with Human Resources and risk management on claims management and compliance.

The candidate must have a Juris Doctorate, at least seven years of relevant experience, and MA bar admission.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 7 years of legal experience involving workers' compensation and employment laws, including representation before the Department of Industrial Accidents.
• Experience with state and federal employee leave and benefits laws (FMLA, PFML, ADA, parental leave, earned sick time, military leave).
• Bar admission in good standing in Massachusetts state and federal courts.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal analysis, counsel and support on workers' compensation matters and employee benefits.
• Represent the Authority in workers' compensation matters before the DIA and in court.
• Collaborate with HR, Risk Management and outside counsel to address claims management issues.
• Assess exposure and negotiate settlements; handle third‑party liens and mediations.
• Advise on compliance with reporting requirements and Medicare/Medicaid liens.
• Support return-to-work decisions and coordination of benefits.
• Research, draft memoranda, motions and briefs; interpret laws and regulations.

Skills

Workers' compensation law

Employment law

Litigation before DIA

Massachusetts law knowledge

Bar admission

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Provides legal advice, counsel, support, and representation of the Authority concerning all aspects of workers' compensation matters and employee benefits.

Posting Period: 5/1/2026 - 5/14/2026

Location: Winthrop, MA

Salary: $2207.36-$3246.44 weekly $114,782.91-$168,814.75 annually

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Provides legal analysis, counsel and support concerning all aspects of workers' compensation matters, including claims management.
• Represents the Authority in, and handles all aspects and stages of, workers' compensation matters before the Department of Industrial Accidents and in court.
• Collaborates with Human Resources, Risk Management, safety personnel, training staff, outside counsel and third-party administrator, among others, to address issues related to the workers' compensation program.
• Assesss exposure and liability, recommends and negotiates settlements and other agreements, participates in mediations and adjudications, and tracks and negotiates third-party liens.
• Participates in review of new and existing cases with Human Resources and third-party administrator. Provides legal and administrative advice for proper case management.
• Provides legal analysis, counsel and support for compliance with mandatory and internal reporting. Supports Human Resources and other staff to address issues involving Medicare, Medicaid and liens.
• Provides legal analysis, counsel and support regarding the progress and outcome of active cases and coordination of return-to-work efforts. Assists in decision-making process for issuance of workers' compensation and other employee benefits.
• Coordinates, participates in and assists with investigations as appropriate.
• Provides legal analysis, counsel and support, and collaborates with Human Resources and third-party administrator, to analyze and prepare claims for potential disability retirement applications. Represents the MWRA before the MWRA Retirement Board. Researches, provides legal advice and addresses issues under G.L. c. 32.
• Provides legal analysis, counsel and support for issues concerning MWRA's compliance with statutes and regulations including G.L. c. 149, §§6 1/2 and 152, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, military leave laws, earned sick time laws, parental leave laws, laws concerning pregnant workers' rights, and related laws and regulations.
• Provides legal analysis, counsel and support for and participates in the review of workplace accommodation requests and determination processes as required by state and federal law and regulations.
• Addresses, in conjunction with other employment and labor counsel, collective bargaining and labor relations issues concerning workers' compensation and employee benefits.
• Conducts legal research, drafts and conducts discovery, and prepares communications, legal memoranda, motions and briefs. Interprets laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations.
• Construes and applies the Authority's enabling statute and regulations.
• Drafts and amends internal policies, rules, standard operating procedures, collective bargaining provisions and communications.
• Communicates and collaborates with managers and employees from all departments as required for appropriate claims management.
• Conducts trainings for staff and contractors.
• Provides advice to Human Resources to ensure compliance with all employment and labor notices and postings.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 7 years of legal experience involving workers' compensation and employment laws, at least five years of which includes representing clients before the Department of Industrial Accidents for workers' compensation claims under G.L. c. 152.
• Experience, knowledge and understanding of state and federal employee leave and benefits laws, including but not limited to the Family and Medical Leave Act, Paid Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, parental leave, earned sick time, and military leave laws, and other related authorities.
• Admittance in good standing to the bar to practice law in Massachusetts state and federal courts.
• Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license

Knowledge and Abilities

• Understanding of and experience in workers' compensation and employment law. Experience representing clients in administrative proceedings before the Department of Industrial Accidents. Experience providing advice and counsel to clients in matters involving workers' compensation and employment law. Experience drafting and analyzing legal documents, collective bargaining agreements, claim documents, memoranda, and policies. Experience interpreting and advising on laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations.
• Experience conducting investigations preferred.
• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent, clear, concise and effective writing and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a dynamic team.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the General Counsel or Associate General Counsel (Labor and Employment) as assigned. Exercises supervision of a legal assistant and/or support staff.

Other Position Information

PCR: 7110020

Division: Law

Department: Law

Union/Grade: USW9360 Unit 6C/Grade 13

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.