Committee Legal Counsel -Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion - (230003X1)
Description
Agency Overview:
The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected
Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.
Position Overview:
Committee Legal Counsel provides legal counsel and policy analysis to the Chair of the Committee on a wide range of legislative issues, including legal research and analysis, and drafting of legal memoranda and legislation. Assists in the development, drafting, and presentation of policy and legislation and corresponds with constituents, advocates, other legislative offices, and the executive and judicial branches on matters of interest to the committee. May handle constituent services, communications responsibilities, and other duties as assigned.
Reports to:
Reports to the Chair of the Committee and, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff/Committee Director.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
- Provide legal research and analysis and counsel to the Chair of the Committee;
- Analyze legislation pending before the Committee, including preparing bill summaries, and make recommendations to the Chair with regard to pending legislation;
- Draft legislation, including committee redrafts of bills and amendments;
- In consultation with Research Director, track Committee bills and legislative initiatives contained within the budget through the legislative process;
- Assist the Research Director to plan and organize Committee hearings, including preparing hearing notices and briefing materials for Chair;
- Meet with government officials and other stakeholder and constituency groups regarding matters before the Committee;
- Respond to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives and constituency groups regarding bill language and bill status;
- Assist the Chair with work on special commissions and task forces in designated topic areas;
- Attend hearings, events and meetings on behalf of Chair;
- Prepare briefing materials for the Chair and create reference materials on topical issues;
- Draft talking points and other speaking materials for the Chair;
- Understand and advise on Committee rules;
- Maintain files and archives of Committee materials;
- Utilizes research data bases including but not limited to LAWS and NCSL;
- Advise Committee staff regarding procedures and statutes that bear on matters before the Committee;
- In consultation with Research Director, track Committee bills and legislative initiatives contained within the budget through the legislative process;
- Assist the Research Director to plan and organize Committee hearings, including preparing hearing notices, legal briefs, and materials for Chair;
- Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite;
- Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
Qualifications
Required Skills/Attributes:
- Demonstrated ability to produce thorough accurate results and to meet project milestones and deadlines;
- Excellent writing and communication skills;
- Ability to take initiative on assignments and work independently;
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer-based tools, including spreadsheets, database management, word processing, and presentation software;
- Ability to interface and work with diverse communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;
- Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently, and meet deadlines on short notice;
- Outstanding organizational and administrative skills;
- Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;
- Ability to use standard office equipment and technology;
- Ability to follow up and complete tasks
Education/Experience Qualifications:
- J. D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing are required.
- Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred.
Position Type:
This position operates in a professional office environment; must be able to communicate both in person and by telephone. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets, and multifunction copiers/printers.
Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work to support the Committee’s and/or the legislator’s legislative or constituent activities.
How to Apply:
- Applicants should submit their resume and a cover letter to Cynthia.Lewis@mahouse.gov by 9/1/23.
- This is an open position with an immediate start date.
Salary: Low $60k's
Benefits
As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, staff have access to a wide variety of health
plans including coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits. Furthermore, retirement benefits are
available, depending upon one’s length of employment.
The House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.
Official Title: Legal Counsel
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-State House
Job
: Legal Services
Agency
: House of Representatives
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Aug 14, 2023, 6:16:16 PM
Number of Openings
: 1
Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Katherine Palmer - 6177222814
Read Full Description