Counsel II

Duties: The Massachusetts Department of Correction has immediate openings for staff attorneys (Counsel II) at its Treatment Center Legal Office. These attorneys will represent the Commonwealth in discharge petitions brought under G.L. c. 123A, 9, defend correctional employees in civil rights litigation in the state and federal courts, and provide in-house counsel on a variety of matters as required. Litigation duties involve work on a variety of matters, including constitutional issues, conditions of confinement, class actions, and systems litigation. These duties include travel to state correctional facilities and offices, state and federal courts, and other locations throughout the Commonwealth. These attorneys will be responsible for conducting trials, arguing motions in state and federal courts, and arguing appeals before the Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. These attorneys will be responsible for conferring with expert witnesses, interviewing witnesses at 14 state correctional facilities as needed, obtaining relevant records, consulting with other DOC staff and parties involved, reviewing case-related materials, defending clients at depositions, conducting depositions, preparing discovery, responding to discovery, conducting legal and factual research, drafting motions and oppositions, memoranda of law, appellate briefs, and other materials as needed. The attorneys will perform other duties as assigned. The Department of Correction's compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation, including, but not limited to: 75% state-paid medical insurance premium Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans Flexible Spending Accounts 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 competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidates for the positions will be experienced litigation attorneys. Candidates should have excellent academic backgrounds, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in criminal justice issues strongly preferred. Comments: This is a Civil Service position. Please note that salaries for union positions are determined according to the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreement. Applicants must have no felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 9. The Massachusetts Department of Correction shall not hire anyone who may have direct contact with offenders, who has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents. The DOC urges bi-lingual applicants to apply. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. 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. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action 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.