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Committee Legal Counsel -House Ways and Means Committee

AT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Committee Legal Counsel -House Ways and Means Committee

Boston, MA

Job Description

Agency Overview:
The Massachusetts House of Representatives ("House") is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

Position Overview:
Committee Legal Counsel provides legal counsel and policy analysis to the Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means on a wide range of legislative issues, including legal research and analysis and drafting of legal memoranda and legislation. Assists in the development, drafting and presentation of policy and legislation and corresponds with constituents, advocates, other legislative offices and the executive and judicial branches on matters of interest to the committee. May handle constituent services, communications responsibilities, and other duties as assigned.

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Reports to:
Reports to the Chair of the House Committee Ways and Means and, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director and the Committee's General Counsel.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
• Provide legal research and analysis and counsel to the Chair of the Committee;
• Analyze legislation, including budgets, pending before the Committee, including preparing bill summaries, and make recommendations to the Chair with regard to pending legislation;
• Draft legislation, including committee redrafts of bills and amendments;
• Advise Committee staff regarding procedures and statutes that bear on matters before the Committee;
• Track Committee bills and legislative initiatives through the legislative process;
• Meet with government officials and other stakeholder and constituency groups regarding matters before the Committee;
• Respond to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives and constituency groups regarding bill language and bill status;
• Attend hearings, events and meetings on behalf of Chair;
• Prepare briefing materials for the Chair and create reference materials on topical issues;
• Draft talking points and other speaking materials for the Chair;
• Maintain files and archives of Committee materials;
• Utilizes research data bases;
• Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite;
• Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Attributes:
• Ability to interface and work with different communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;
• Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, including nights and weekends;
• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Ability to be flexible and switch between projects in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to follow-up and complete tasks.

Education/Experience Qualifications:
• J. D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing are required.
• A minimum of two to five years of experience practicing law
• Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, minimum of 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work to support the Committee's legislative or constituent activities.

Anticipated Start Date: December 2024

How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to Molly Conneely, General Counsel, at molly.conneely@mahouse.gov.

Salary: low $80k

Benefits
As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, staff have access to a wide variety of health
plans, including coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits. Furthermore, retirement benefits are
available, depending upon one's length of employment.

The House of Representatives is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA, USA
Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-240008AG
Employment Type: Full Time

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • Pension
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program