The Policy Counsel will be an experienced attorney who contributes to a variety of challenging legal and policy matters within the City of Boston and the City’s Law Department. This role focuses on policy development and coordination, as well as providing legal advice and support on matters as assigned.

The Policy Counsel must have a strong commitment to public service, a solution-oriented approach, and adaptability in responding to unpredictable issues. This position reports to the Law Department’s Chief of Staff & Policy and will receive supervision on specific matters from the First Assistant Corporation Counsels for Government and Litigation. 

Admission to the Massachusetts Bar and residence in the City of Boston are required.

• Work closely with departmental Assistant Corporation Counsels (ACCs) on policy development, including drafting and reviewing ordinances, policies, and regulations.
• Prepare materials regarding City policy initiatives for legal review by departmental ACCs, providing relevant context and helping to identify legal issues for further analysis.
• Assist in the coordination of the Law Department’s analysis, litigation, and advising regarding actions by federal and state government entities.
• Advise the City’s Public Records team on the application of the Public Records Law, and support public records litigation as needed.
• Assume temporary responsibility, along with other Law Department attorneys, for Department matters on which temporary coverage or additional capacity is needed.
• Help to integrate new types of legal work into Department operations, both by performing needed legal work and developing policies and systems to ensure such work can be handled effectively on an ongoing basis.
• Assist the Chief of Staff & Policy in the development of Department policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as needed.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record.
• At least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney, including experience practicing municipal law and participating in public sector policy development processes.
• Experience leading and contributing to problem-solving processes involving both attorneys and non-attorneys.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state legislation impacting municipalities.
• Strong knowledge of City policies, procedures, regulations, and ordinances.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of law, including labor and employment law.
• Ability to write concisely and effectively, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in a logical sequence.
• Highly motivated self-starter.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Westlaw, and Social Law Library.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Grade/Salary Plan: Non-Union/MM2-13

Hours per week: 35