Managing Counsel - Legal Department

Official Title: Managing Counsel - Legal Department

Pay Grade: Senior Management 2

Starting Pay: $119,421.38 - $176,523.36

The Trial Court Legal Department reports to the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and the Court Administrator. The Legal Department handles a wide range of legal matters that arise within the Executive Office of the Trial Court and the Office of Court Management (OCM). The Legal Department’s attorneys work directly with the Office of the Attorney General in its legal representation of the Trial Court, its departments, officers, judges and employees in litigation brought in state and federal courts. The Legal Department also represents the Trial Court in employment matters, including before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD); and reviews investigations of discrimination complaints. The Legal Department advises the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, the Court Administrator, the Directors of the OCM Departments, the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, the Office of the Jury Commissioner, and the Deputy Court Administrators and attorneys for the seven Departmental Administrative Offices of the Trial Court on legal issues and problems.

Notes: 

• This position is designated as a management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Compensation commensurate with experience.

Position Summary: Working within the Trial Court Legal Department, the Managing Counsel oversees litigation, contracts and legal and policy issues referred to the Legal Department and supervises four Senior Legal Counsel and other personnel in performing this work. Acts as liaison to the Office of the Attorney General in matters brought against the Trial Court and its employees in state and federal court. Works with and advises the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on litigation, contracts and all other legal issues affecting the Trial Court and its departments.

Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general direction of the General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel and is evaluated for professional competence and thoughtful implementation of Trial Court policy.

Major Duties:

The following are the primary duties assigned to the Legal Department Managing Counsel:

• Acts as immediate supervisor to four Senior Legal Counsel on assigned tasks, including assigning and reviewing work, and meeting on a regular basis with each attorney to strategize and ensure tasks are being completed properly and in a timely fashion.

• Provides advice to the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, the Court Administrator and the Office of Court Management’s departments on legal issues pertaining to litigation, contracts, human resources, policy initiatives and applicable laws, and also advises the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on these and other matters.

• Works with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on complex legal issues that arise.

• Works closely with Assistant Attorneys’ General on active litigation, including assisting in document discovery, witness preparation, trial strategy, mediation, and settlement, and makes recommendations to the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, Court Administrator and General Counsel about litigation strategy.

• Reviews and drafts contracts and requests for proposals, negotiates final terms of contracts with vendors, and advises departments on all aspects of procurement. Also supervises Senior Legal Counsel in the drafting, analyzing and reviewing of contracts.

• Drafts and reviews correspondence in response to complaints, questions, and requests for information from the public, state, and federal agencies, and attorneys. Drafts memoranda in response to legal questions from judges, clerks, and other court officials.

• Acts as legal counsel to Trial Court committees. Provides support and counsel to committee members including judges and clerks.

• Coordinates with the Trial Court departments on strategic plan initiatives and committee initiatives.

• Performs related duties as required.

Job Competencies: 

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.

Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.

Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Applied Knowledge: Skillfully applies knowledge and skills to successfully perform complex legal analysis, research, and management oversight of Senior Legal Counsel preparing legal memoranda and other documents.

Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action.

Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Leadership: Demonstrates an ability to supervise, manage, and drive employee performance and professional development.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position Managing Counsel of the Legal Department:

Education and Experience:
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree
• Seven (7) years of related work experience, including some supervisory experience and/or training.
• Massachusetts Bar Membership
• Experience practicing civil litigation is preferred

Knowledge of:
• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software
• Departmental and court policies and procedures
• Civil litigation and tort presentments
• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Contract law and public procurement process
• Legal research techniques and methods
• Massachusetts court system, Massachusetts General Laws, and the operations of state government

Skill in:
• Organization and time management
• Writing and editing
• Leadership and supervision of reporting attorneys
• Attention to detail

Ability to:
• Establish effective working relationships with others
• Conduct accurate and detailed legal research and provide written analysis in limited time
• Maintain appropriate records
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
• Negotiate contract language with vendors
• Analyze administrative problems and develop feasible solutions