Legal Chief of Staff - Massachusetts Probation Service

State of Massachusetts - Boston, MA

Full-time - Senior

Boston, MA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Legal Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Probation Service serves as a direct advisor to the Commissioner of Probation, providing strategic and legal advice on various matters including policy formulation, legal compliance, and human resources. This role involves overseeing the legal unit, representing the Commissioner in legal matters, and contributing to the development of strategic goals and initiatives within the Probation Service.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and legal advice to the Commissioner of Probation.
• Draft and review legal memoranda on various issues, including state and federal laws.
• Supervise the Deputy Commissioner - Legal Counsel and manage legal matters.
• Represent the Probation Service in legal proceedings and provide litigation support.
• Collaborate with the Trial Court Legal Department on litigation strategy.
• Serve on various committees and working groups related to administrative and legal issues.
• Oversee investigations into allegations of misconduct and make recommendations on disciplinary matters.
• Prepare reports, abstracts, and draft rules for the Probation Service.
• Review inquiries and requests concerning legal aspects of the Massachusetts Probation Service.

Requirements

• Law Degree from an accredited law school and membership in the Massachusetts Bar.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional legal experience, including significant litigation experience.
• Significant experience in a senior legal position, preferably as senior agency counsel, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system and relevant laws pertaining to Probation.
• Experience in drafting discovery responses and dispositive motions in civil cases.
• Advanced skills in legal research and drafting legal memoranda and briefs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Ability to handle highly confidential material with discretion.

Benefits

• Employment contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.