Organization:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Branch is one of the state's largest employers with over 43,000 employees that span nine Secretariats and more than 70 agencies. The Commonwealth hires employees in all possible types of roles in a vast array of sectors including healthcare, transportation, education, public safety and technology. We are a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse population that we serve.

Position Overview:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a new Labor Counsel (Counsel II) to join the Human Resources Division (HRD) team. This position is part of a six member team, which reports directly to the General Counsel of HRD. The Labor Counsel will represent employers in the Commonwealth’s labor and employment law related matters. The Labor Counsel will represent HRD and the Commonwealth’s agencies before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), Department of Labor Relations, Civil Service Commission and before labor arbitrators. They will consult on employment investigations and collective bargaining. In addition, the position requires strong legal research and writing skills. In our environment, lawyers are expected to work independently. Within a complex and highly-diverse work environment, this opportunity provides a quality environment and place to make an impact.

Primary Duties:

Represent the employer in all aspects of labor and employment law litigation before various administrative agencies. Consult with agency clients and provide legal advice. Assist with policy development and drafting of legislation. Research and draft legal memos. Assist investigators with ongoing investigations. Provide legal support to collective bargaining. Provide assistance to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel as directed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two-three years of experience in Labor Arbitration and/or Employment law – public sector preferred;
• Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of law including labor and employment law.
• Prior Experience in Union setting or government agency;
• Past experience with MCAD, Civil Service, Department of Labor Relations;
• Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth as assigned and necessary;
• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures;
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts;
• Ability to understand and apply laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment; ability to exercise discretion, in confidential information;
• Ability to explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures, guidelines and policies governing agency operations and assigned unit activities;
• Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents;
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with others;
• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress;
• Ability to deal effectively with others; ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations;
• Ability to ability to work professionally in adversarial relationships with opposing counsel;
• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures; ability to maintain accurate records;
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner, ability to conduct interviews;
• Ability to write concisely and effectively, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical sequence;
• Ability to make effective oral presentation; ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License at a Class level specific to assignment.