Associate Town Counsel - Labor & Employment Law

About the role

The Town of Brookline is seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Town Counsel to join our Legal Department, focusing on labor and employment law within a collaborative and high-performing municipal environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise department heads, the Director of Human Resources, and senior leadership on employment law, disciplinary matters, grievances, and contract interpretation.
• Serve as lead negotiator or counsel in collective bargaining and labor-management committee matters.
• Represent the Town before Labor arbitration panels, Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), and in state and federal courts.
• Draft and review legal documents, including collective bargaining agreements, contracts, settlement agreements, Town Meeting articles, policies, and memoranda.
• Provide legal representation at public meetings, including Select Board, Advisory Committee, and Town Meeting.
• Conduct investigations, evaluate legal risk, and resolve employment-related claims.
• Aid in the preparation and trial of litigation, including appellate work in the Supreme Judicial Court and U.S. Court of Appeals.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and a minimum of five years of experience in public sector labor and employment law preferred, including collective bargaining, arbitration, employment litigation, and legal compliance counseling.
• Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar.
• Must be eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit within 90 days of appointment.

Qualifications

• A strong working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 150E, civil service law, and applicable state and federal employment laws.
• Familiarity with the procedures and practices of the Department of Labor Relations, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), and the Joint Labor-Management Committee is highly desirable.

Skills

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Strong judgment, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• The ability to manage complex and sensitive legal matters under pressure, particularly those involving high-profile or time-sensitive issues.
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including department heads, public boards and commissions, and outside counsel.

Benefits

• A competitive starting salary range of $120,223 - $126,758.
• A flexible hybrid work schedule that promotes work-life balance.
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, plus four weeks of paid vacation annually.
• Access to continuing legal education and other development opportunities.

Pay

Starting Salary range: $120,223 - 126,758

Schedule

Flexible hybrid work schedule