Assistant General Counsel - Litigation Counselor

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Represents department in litigation, researches legal issues and prepares memoranda on pertinent legal topics as assigned by the General Counsel;

performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED :

Works under the direction of the General Counsel. In the absence of the General Counsel, works under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED :

Provides guidance and assistance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel's Office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Represents the Sheriff, the Department and departmental employees in litigation filed in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies;
• Responsible for all aspects of case management, from the commencement of the action through the appellate process, on cases assigned by the General Counsel;
• Acts as a special hearing officer on discipline proceedings and fact finding hearings as appointed by the General Counsel;
• Represents the Department in various labor relation, negotiations and arbitration proceedings;
• Reviews correspondence from opposing counsel and responds appropriately;
• Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of contract documents;
• Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of departmental policies;
• Researches and drafts legal memoranda regarding legal issues relating to the Department;
• Investigates and reports on incidents / issues as assigned by the General Counsel;
• Responds to public record requests and civil subpoenas sent to the Department;
• Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned; and
• Performs such additional duties as the Sheriff or designee may assign from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts and Federal Court systems;
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system;
• Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written form;
• Working knowledge of and skill at interviewing techniques;
• Ability to present effective oral arguments;
• Ability to perform legal research and prepare memos and briefs;
• Experience in civil litigation;
• Admission to the Massachusetts and Federal Bar;
• Thorough knowledge of Department policies and procedures is preferred;
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) is preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Represent the Department in assigned legal matters;
• Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda and briefs;
• Effectively prepare and present assigned cases, prepare witnesses, cross-examine opposing parties, and present oral arguments;
• Conduct necessary depositions;
• Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace, courthouse, and at scheduled meetings;
• Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of, and compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines;
• Maintain good standing in Massachusetts and Federal bar;
• Compliance with security procedures;
• Obey moderately complex oral and written orders;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
• Deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and
• Exercise good judgment.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
• Appear and perform in courtroom;
• Lift up to 25 pounds;
• Carry up to 25 pounds;
• Climb stairs occasionally;
• Walk short distances;
• Use a personal computer and e-mail; and
• Write and type.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION :

Participation in mandatory training.