Job Description
Agency Overview
The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management. Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused and transparent.
Bureau Overview
The Litigation Bureau represents the Commissioner before the Appellate Tax Board and in the following courts when necessary (under the appointment of the Department's General Counsel as a Special Assistant Attorney General): Land Court; Probate Court; Superior Court; Appeals Court; Supreme Judicial Court and various Federal Courts, including the United States Bankruptcy Court. The Litigation Bureau also responds to all requests for disclosure of tax information, including requests for public records and requests from taxpayers for their tax information.
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Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provide functional direction, guidance, instruction, and delegation of tasks to interns, support staff, or other personnel; and participate in the training and mentoring of new employees.
- Obtain information needed to represent the agency in litigation matters by conducting research and analysis of the applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, and by reviewing cases, files, case history, and evidence submitted by opposing parties to understand the facts and issues and to determine the best course of action.
- Mediate or negotiate with opposing parties when appropriate, to reach resolution based on relative merits of cases, to avoid litigation, and to mitigate damages for the agency.
- Argue motions and litigate cases that cannot be settled or otherwise resolved.
- Handle significant Appellate Tax Board ("ATB") cases, as well as significant cases in state courts (primarily Massachusetts), and federal courts, including but not limited to, the United States Bankruptcy Court.
- As assigned, assist other Litigation Bureau attorneys with their respective cases; may participate in major ATB appeals with senior staff attorneys (Tax Counsels) on their assigned cases.
- Assist other Divisions within the Department when they seek certain legal advice or action including, but not limited to: seizure referrals; license revocations; contract actions; and opposition and/or cooperation with regard to certain subpoenas and summonses. Participate n drafting new or amended policies related to these functions to ensure compliance with laws.
- Collaborate with other agencies or stakeholders to share information, resolve issues or work on cross-functional initiatives to meet shared goals.
As part of the Future of Work initiative, the agency is adopting a hybrid work model. Hybrid work is a mix of in-office work and telework. This position will work remotely some days and in-person on other days.
An external candidate recommended for a position with the Department of Revenue will be subject to a background check that includes checks for: state and federal tax compliance; child support compliance; education verification; Massachusetts CORI checks; criminal background checks in state(s) of current and previous residence/employment; validation of eligibility to work in the United States; and national fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
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.
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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.