Deputy Legal Counsel - Land Court

Departmental Mission Statement: The Land Court's mission is to provide an accessible forum where specialized expertise is applied to resolve disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property throughout the Commonwealth. The judges and staff are committed to serving the public and the real estate and trial bars in a respectful, efficient manner by issuing decisions that are equitable and legally well-reasoned, and by providing readily available, reliable guidance to property owners and registries of deeds regarding registered land transactions.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/land-court

Notes:

• To apply, applicants must complete the Trial Court online application and upload to their profile, (1) a cover letter or statement of interest, (2) a resume, (3) a law school transcript (does not have to be official) and (4) a writing sample of approximately 5 pages on a topic related to Land Court subject matter.
• This is an on-site position requiring work in-person at the Land Court in Boston. In accordance with current Trial Court policy, after an initial training and trial period, a request for hybrid office/remote work schedule will be considered by the manager.
• This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Starting salary determination is based on applicant experience.

This position is located at:
3 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108

Position Summary: Provides recommendations and guidance to the Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, judges, Recorder, and other court staff on a variety of complex legal matters. Performs legal research, writes memoranda, develops court procedures and rules, analyzes legal and administrative issues, and drafts proposed legislation or legislative testimony, prepares and presents trainings, and manages litigation on behalf of the department. This position serves as a supervisor to others.

Supervision Received: Serves under the direction of the Departmental Legal Counsel, supporting the legal needs of the Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, and other court employees as required.

Duties:

• Provides advice and guidance on legal matters, including policy and procedure, processes related to new statutes, rules, etc., and litigation involving the court;
• Develops guidance and procedures to assist court departments and the Trial Court in implementing new policies, processes, and/or forms in an effort to ensure uniform practices and application of law;
• Responds to inquiries from Justices, the Recorder, and other employees in the department. Serves as a liaison between the court department and government agencies, members of the Bar, and members of the public;
• Conducts and coordinates special research projects as necessary; legal expertise and clear and concise communication and organizational skills are essential in fulfilling this role;
• May supervise legal staff at the direction of the ADCA-Legal Counsel, including the assignment of work and review of performance and quality of work;
• Interprets and applies court rules, standing orders, statutes, directives, and policies related to matters within the court department;
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal bulletins, memoranda, draft rules, and uniform practices;
• Participates as member of and/or professional staff to departmental, cross-departmental, and Trial Court committees, task forces, and working groups;
• Tracks and summarizes prospective legislation to advise on impact and make recommendations;
• Develops and conducts trainings for staff; and
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Competencies:

• Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
• Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and Land Court Departmental mission.
• Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
• Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
• Applied Knowledge: Skillfully applies knowledge and skills to successfully perform complex legal analysis, research, preparing legal memoranda and other documents.
• Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action.
• Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Deputy Legal Counsel:

Education and Experience
• Law Degree from an accredited college or university
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience
• Massachusetts Bar Membership in good standing
• Demonstrated Supervisory Experience
Knowledge of:
• Relevant statutes, case law, and other legal sources
• Departmental and court rules, standing orders, guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Legal research methods and techniques, including computerized legal resources and tools
• Legislative drafting and style guides
• Land Court specific case types and facility working with issues involving mortgage and land title disputes, zoning and subdivision, real estate contract enforcement, partition, land conveyance documents, Servicemember Civil Relief Act, real estate tax lien foreclosure and redemption, and the Massachusetts General Laws chapter 185 Land Registration system.
Skill in:
• Legal analysis and writing
• Leadership
• Attention to detail
• Organization and time management
Ability to:
• Analyze complex legal issues, identify problems, and develop feasible solutions
• Conduct legal research
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Establish effective working relationships with others
• Create and present clear and concise training materials
• Prepare and maintain appropriate, clear, and accurate reports
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
• Work effectively with a variety of business and office technology, including the Microsoft Office software and productivity tools