Counsel

About the role

MassDevelopment is seeking a mission-driven attorney with at least five years of legal experience to join our collaborative in-house counsel team. The role provides legal advice and counsel to the Executive Vice President of Devens, Agency officers and staff, department heads, and, as appropriate, members of the Board of Directors on a broad range of legal issues arising from Devens operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Executive Vice President of Devens, Agency officers and staff, department heads, and, as appropriate, members of the Board of Directors on a broad range of legal issues arising from Devens operations.
• Serve as legal lead on contracts and transactional matters, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements related to procurement and public bidding, intergovernmental agreements, and other operational contracts.
• Advise on tax assessment and related municipal matters affecting Devens.
• Provide legal support on real estate and development matters in collaboration with Agency counsel, including:
• Agency solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFEIs and related procurement processes)
• Real estate transactions and development agreements (including land disposition agreements, purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, licenses, rights of entry, deeds, development services agreements, and related documents)
• Zoning, land use, permitting, environmental compliance, regulatory matters, entitlements, and Land Court proceedings.
• Advises on Devens Utilities matters, including infrastructure projects, third-party service contracts, rate-setting, customer disputes, bankruptcy and delinquent accounts, and development and maintenance of utility terms and conditions.
• Support legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives, including drafting and reviewing legislation, advising on statutory authority, interpreting bylaws, ordinances, resolutions, and policies, and supporting regulatory promulgation under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A.
• Provide legal support on employment and labor matters affecting Devens personnel.
• Conduct legal research and monitor emerging legal and regulatory developments impacting Agency operations.
• Manage outside counsel relationships in consultation with the General Counsel.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on legal, compliance, and governance matters.
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, and public service.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
• Minimum of five years of legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department, or public or quasi-public agency.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: municipal law, employment and labor law, zoning and land use, real estate, construction, contracts, public procurement, and/or environmental law.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts public sector legal frameworks, including the Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and Conflict of Interest Law.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, shift between competing demands, and respond effectively in time-sensitive or emergent situations.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically, primarily within Massachusetts.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, access, belonging, and anti-oppression principles.

Qualifications

MassDevelopment is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.