Administrative Attorney-Housing Court

Title: Administrative Attorney-Housing Court

Pay Grade: Management

Starting Pay: $88,695.37- $130,866.23/Yr.

Departmental Mission Statement: The Housing Court’s mission is to adjudicate all matters presented by litigants within its jurisdiction regarding housing in a fair, efficient, and timely manner according to the rule of law and the facts presented.  In accordance with this mission, the Housing Court, through its operating philosophy and business practices, strives to present a citizen-oriented process to maximize access to justice for all such litigants.  All members of the Housing Court are committed to this mission and process to fulfill our role within the judicial branch.

Housing Court Organizational Profile

Notes:

This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

This position will require travel per business needs. 

The successful candidate’s primary in-person work location is to be determined, but the geographical location of the candidate’s home location will be considered in that determination. The candidate will also be required to report to the Administrative Office of the Housing Court and other Housing Court divisions as needed and determined by the Deputy Court Administrator and Chief Justice of the Housing Court.

Position Summary: Working as a member of the Departmental Administrative Staff of the Housing Court Department;
• Administrative Attorney performs legal research, prepares legal memoranda and other documents, assists in the development and implementation of court rules and policies, and serves as staff to various committees;
• Administrative Attorneys also contribute to the work of various departmental court initiatives.
• Candidates must possess professional legal research;
• Writing ability;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Along with an attention to detail;
• Ability to work cooperatively with the Departmental Chief Justice, as well as other officials and staff of the court divisions of the Housing Court Department, and with other Trial Court Departments;
• Additionally, candidates will possess a commitment to public service, as well as a commitment to the delivery of justice

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the general direction of the Departmental Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, or other designee; and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Duties:

• Provides advice and assistance to the Chief Justice, Judges, Clerk-Magistrates, Deputy Court Administrator, other court officials and other personnel on a wide-variety of legal and policy issues;
• Performs legal research and analysis of relevant case law;
• Drafts correspondence in response to complaints, questions and requests for information from the public, attorneys, judges, court officials and other government agencies;
• Drafts memoranda and guidelines to assist courts in implementing new policies, forms, or procedures;
• Works with the Trial Court Law Libraries to coordinate the Housing Court's legal collection;
• Provides information to members of the bar and the general public;
• Reviews and recommends to the Chief Justice appropriate action on requests for inter-departmental judicial assignments, case transfers within the Department, special assignments due to conflicts and other problems, and drafts orders effectuating the same;
• Drafts and reviews legislation affecting the Housing Court Department and provides advice and training to Department personnel regarding such legislation;
• Acts as professional staff to special advisory committees; prepares materials for meetings, prepares reports, and works directly with committee members;
• May assist in the hiring of law clerks and other staff in the Housing Court Department; and Performs related duties as required

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
• Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court;
• Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Housing Court Department missions
• Applied Knowledge: Understanding of legal research, preparing legal memoranda and other documents, contributing to the development and implementation of court rules and policies.
• Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action;
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve himself or herself through professional development;
• Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds;
• Customer Service: Fosters a departmental environment emphasizing conduct that is courteous and professional toward both Trial Court employees and the public.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Administrative Attorney:
• Graduation from an accredited law school;
• Membership in the Massachusetts Bar and two years of relevant legal experience;
• Considerable knowledge and experience performing legal research and legal memoranda;
• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system, the Massachusetts General Laws, court procedures, and the operations of state government;
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software, including Microsoft Office;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with court officials, judges, attorneys, and the general public, and to maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to analyze administrative problems and to develop feasible solutions;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis;
• Ability to work independently and to establish work priorities;
• Reputation for ethical behavior;
• Ability to work with others and maintain a professional and friendly environment;
• Ability to collaborate with department court staff in supporting the Mission of the Housing Court Department;
• Self-motivated and a commitment to continuing professional development;
• Ability to travel to court locations throughout the department