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Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Legal Chief of Staff - Massachusetts Probation Service

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mission, Kansas, United States,


Job Description - Legal Chief of Staff - Massachusetts Probation Service (240009O2)Departmental Mission Statement:

The Massachusetts Probation Service’s mission is to increase community safety, reduce recidivism, contribute to the fair and equitable administration of justice, support victims and survivors, and assist individuals and families in achieving long-term positive change.This posting will remain open until filled, however, preference will be given to candidates that apply within the first 14 days.This position is designated as a management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.Position Summary:

Working within the Office of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP), as direct advisor to the Commissioner, the Legal Chief of Staff provides strategic and legal advice to the Commissioner of Probation and the Massachusetts Probation Service. The Legal Chief of Staff advises on a variety of matters, including the formulation, development and review of Probation policies, procedures and protocols, and Probation-related legislation, regulations, and standards; provides counsel on human resources, labor and disciplinary matters consistent with overarching Trial Court policy.Supervision Received:

The Legal Chief of Staff operates under the direction of the Commissioner of Probation. Work product and performance are evaluated by the Commissioner for professional competence, accuracy, and adherence to all laws and professional standards, as well as Probation and Trial Court policies.Duties:

The position requires strategic thinking and planning and considerable independent judgment in overseeing the MPS legal unit including:Drafts or assigns and reviews legal memoranda on issues at the direction of the Commissioner, including reviewing existing, new and proposed laws and regulations.Supervises the Deputy Commissioner – Legal Counsel and advises on the management of legal matters.Represents Probation in legal proceedings as authorized and provides litigation support.Represents the Commissioner in serving on Probation and Trial Court committees on various administrative and legal issues.Champions organizational and high-level strategic interests within the MPS.Determines prioritization, timeline and resourcing needs for strategic initiatives.Drives cross-functional team execution and progress through collaborative partnerships.Drafts legal materials for meetings, prepares reports, and works directly with committee members.Collaborates on investigations into allegations of misconduct and makes recommendations to the Commissioner.Oversees the Deputy Commissioner – Legal Counsel’s system of tracking investigations.Prepares abstracts, memoranda, draft rules, and administrative reports and develops guidelines for Probation.Reviews responses to inquiries and requests concerning legal aspects of the Massachusetts Probation Service.Performs other related duties and management of special projects as directed by the Commissioner.Job Competencies:

All applicants must be able to prove proficiency in the following competencies:Ethics and Values:

Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of Probation Service and the Trial Court.Mission and Vision:

Understands, upholds, and communicates the stated organizational mission and vision.Leadership:

The ability to motivate staff and effectively execute the strategic goals and responsibilities.Team Building:

Fosters a sense of shared goals and accountabilities.Collaboration:

Demonstrates flexibility and openness to modifications suitable to the situation.Strategic Thinking and Planning:

Utilizes the best available information to achieve positive outcomes.Applied Knowledge:

Demonstrates legal experience using knowledge of court rules.Problem Solving:

Accurately identifies legal issues and recommends appropriate solutions.Commitment to Diversity:

Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding and respect.Continuous Learning:

Is actively committed to and works to continuously improve.Qualifications:Minimum Requirements:

These are the minimum requirements necessary for the position of Legal Chief of Staff: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, with a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.Knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system and relevant Massachusetts General Laws.Knowledge of criminal and civil procedure and experience in drafting legal documents.Advanced skills in legal research and drafting legal memoranda and briefs.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.Ability to independently complete assignments and establish priorities.Ability to handle highly confidential material with discretion.Ability to travel to court locations and Probation offices as needed.Employment with the Trial Court is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.Official Title:

Chief Legal CounselPrimary Location:

United States-Massachusetts-Off of the Comm of ProbationJob:

Administrative ServicesAgency:

Commissioner of Probation OfficeSchedule:

Full-timeShift:

DayNumber of Openings:

1Salary:

134,294.41 - 190,293.97 YearlyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Human Resources - 6177428575

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