The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. We help people understand their disability rights and obligations, how regulations apply to the specifics of their situation, and practical steps they can take to assert their rights and comply with the law.

The MOD Legal Department provides support to the agency by providing agency staff with legal research on disability rights laws, working with state agencies and municipalities to understand their legal obligations, and providing MOD leadership with guidance on agency operations and compliance.

MOD is a small, dynamic office where staff can work on exciting projects supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities in our community. The office currently works on a hybrid schedule, with staff working in the office two days per week and remotely three days.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

The Counsel I works under the direction of the General Counsel to support the general legal needs of the office, including conducting legal research and writing to inform and support agency projects and initiatives; tracking legislation; responding to inquiries from sister agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders; and advising agency staff and leadership on all legal matters, such as public records law, procurements, and state ethics law.

MOD is looking for a highly organized and self-motivated attorney to join our very small legal team. The Counsel I will need excellent legal research and writing skills and be able to explain complex legal issues to a broad audience using simple, clear, understandable language.

Duties for the Counsel I include, but are not limited to:

- Advise MOD staff on legal matters: Interpret laws, rules, regulations, judicial decisions, and opinions related to civil rights laws and agency obligations. This includes educating staff on the laws, rules, and policies relating to the civil rights of people with disabilities and governing agency operations; providing legal advice to agency staff when resolving problems and determining appropriate actions; monitoring actions of agency staff to identify legal issues or problems; and reviewing contracts to ensure that all agency activities comply with applicable laws. This will include:

o Researching and writing legal memorandum for MOD staff on matters relating to state and federal disability rights laws.

o Researching and preparing summaries of disability rights laws for the MOD webpage.

o Monitoring and tracking state and federal legislation, regulations, and case law relating to the civil rights of people with disabilities, architectural access, and other matters of interest to the agency.

o Understanding and advising agency staff on matters of public agency law, such as compliance with public records, open meeting, procurement, and ethics.

- Respond to and track public records requests and subpoenas.

- Provide information to state agencies, municipalities, and the public by answering inquiries regarding agency functions, services, rules, and procedures to accurately represent the agency and facilitate compliance with disability rights laws.

- Develop and present trainings on disability rights laws.

- Manage and monitor individual assignments and projects to ensure timely resolution and to contribute to the achievement of overall agency goals.

- Occasionally represent MOD in court or at administrative hearings, develop legal strategy and effectively and efficiently manage the flow of cases.

Required Qualifications

• Juris doctor degree.
• Membership in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar.
• Ability to communicate with and work well with people from a variety of backgrounds, including other agency staff, state and municipal officials, and members of the public.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures and proficiency in the use of legal research systems, including Westlaw and free legal research resources.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as statutes, regulations, legislation, decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, guidelines, and policies governing agency operations and disability rights.
• Ability to analyze a factual situation and determine which state and federal laws and regulations apply.
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Excel, comfort with video conference technology such as Zoom, and ability to quickly pick up new technology/digital tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of federal and state disability rights and administrative laws.
• Background in and understanding of state, federal, and local government.
• Interest in public service and/or disability rights issues as demonstrated through education, work, or volunteer activities.
• Knowledge of the procedures followed in state administrative proceedings.

Application Process:

The application must include:

1. Cover Letter addressed to General Counsel Julia O'Leary, explaining your interest in and qualifications for this position;

2. Current Resume; and

3. Legal writing sample, maximum of 5 pages.

Failure to include all items listed above may result in disqualification of the application.

Interview Process:

• The first-round interview will take place on Zoom or Teams.

• Selected candidates will move to second-round interviews.

• We aim to send an offer by January/February 2025.

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 work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Diversity Statement

We encourage people with disabilities to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact Julia O'Leary at Julia.E.Oleary@mass.gov or 857-214-1081. Please do not contact Julia with general questions about the position.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged 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 some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

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.