Counsel II - Legal - Bridgewater State Hospital

Job Description

Duties:

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) has an opening for one staff attorney (Counsel II) in its Bridgewater State Hospital Legal Office. The attorney will be responsible for pursuing civil commitment petitions under G.L. c. 123 and District Court Rogers petitions filed by the Bridgewater State Hospital on a weekly basis, guardianship petitions in various probate courts, and civil commitment petitions to the Superior Court. The attorney will provide in-house counsel advice on a variety of matters to all DOC employees, to include the interpretation of applicable laws, regulations and case decisions impacting DOC as required. The Counsel II position is a full-time (9-5) position located within a state correctional institution in Bridgewater, MA.

In addition, the attorney will also be responsible for handling an active caseload of inmate civil rights litigation in the state and federal courts, defending correctional officials in cases involving constitutional issues, conditions of confinement, medical care, and systems litigation. The civil litigation cases may involve multiple day jury and non-jury trials and motion hearings in any of the Commonwealth's state and federal courts. In addition to conducting commitment hearings and trials on behalf of the DOC, the attorney is responsible for conducting discovery, including interviewing witnesses at state correctional institutions and gathering relevant institutional records; consulting with other DOC staff and legal representatives and parties involved; reviewing case files, transcripts of prior hearings, administrative decisions, and other records of case proceedings; conducting depositions and defending clients at depositions; conducting legal research; preparing motions, legal briefs, and memoranda of law. 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 candidate for the position will be an experienced trial attorney, with significant appellate experience as well. Candidates should have excellent academic backgrounds, the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and a minimum of two (2) years litigation experience. Criminal justice experience is 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. 15601-15609. 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.

Qualifications

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.