Associate Counsel - Boston Municipal Court

About the role

Departmental Mission Statement: Given our unique responsibility to advance the fair administration of justice, the Boston Municipal Court Department is devoted to the rule of law through the conscientious and expeditious resolution of disputes, with a commitment to restoring the human spirit through correction, education, respect and compassion.

Organizational Profile: http://www.mass.gov/courts/bostonmunicipalcourt/index.html

Position Summary: Working within the Boston Municipal Court Administrative Office, an Associate Counsel performs legal research, prepares legal memoranda and other documents, assists in the development and implementation of court rules and policies, and serves as staff to various committees. Associate Counsel also contribute to the work of various departmental court initiatives. Candidates must possess professional legal research and writing ability, excellent communication skills, along with an attention to detail, and an ability to work cooperatively with the Departmental Chief Justice, as well as other officials and staff of the court divisions of the Boston Municipal Court Department, and with other Trial Court Departments. Additionally, candidates will possess a commitment to public service, as well as a commitment to the delivery of justice.

Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general direction of the Departmental Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, and Chief Legal Counsel, or other designee; and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and assistance to the Chief Justice, judges, Clerk-Magistrates, Deputy Court Administrator, other court officials and other personnel on a wide-variety of legal and policy issues;
• Performs legal research and analysis of relevant case law;
• Drafts correspondence in response to complaints, questions and requests for information from the public, attorneys, judges, court officials and other government agencies;
• Drafts memoranda and guidelines to assist courts in implementing new policies, forms, or procedures;
• Provides information to members of the bar and the general public;
• Reviews and recommends to the Chief Justice appropriate action on requests for inter-departmental judicial assignments, case transfers within the Department, special assignments due to conflicts and other problems, and drafts orders effectuating the same;
• Drafts and reviews legislation affecting the Boston Municipal Court Department and provides advice and training to Department personnel regarding such legislation;
• Acts as professional staff to special advisory committees. Prepares materials for meetings, prepares reports, and works directly with committee members;
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school;
• Membership in the Massachusetts Bar and two years of relevant legal experience;
• Considerable knowledge and experience performing legal research and legal memoranda;
• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system, the Massachusetts General Laws, court procedures, and the operations of state government;
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software, including Microsoft Office;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with court officials, judges, attorneys, and