Necklace, Accessories, Jewelry, Accessory, Outdoors

TRIAL COURT MISSION 

The Trial Court is committed to: 

  • Fair, impartial, and timely administration of justice;
  • Protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;
  • Equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment strengthened by diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Excellence in the adjudication of cases and resolution of disputes;
  • Courteous service to the public by dedicated professionals who inspire public trust and confidence.

The Trial Court offers  a Tuition Remission Program and is a qualifying employer for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness.  The Trial Court also offer the Transit Match Benefit which provides employees with a 50% reimbursement of qualified transit expenses (up to $150 per month reimbursement)).  To learn more about these programs and all of our benefits, click here

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or have any questions or concerns about being afforded fair and equal treatment, please contact the HR Benefits Team at reasonableaccommodation@jud.state.ma.us

Research Attorney - Probate & Family Court - Eastern Massachusetts

  • 498789
  • Boston, Massachusetts, United States
  • Probate & Family Court Dept
  • Legal/Attorney
  • Full-time

Title: Research Attorney

Pay Grade: Grade 18

Starting Pay: $ 86,605.33

Departmental Mission Statement: The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable and efficient forum to resolve family and probate legal matters and to assist and protect all individuals, families and children in an impartial and respectful manner.

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related matters, such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, and abuse prevention. In addition to equity jurisdiction, the Probate and Family Court also has jurisdiction over wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Court has 14 divisions.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/probate-and-family-court

PLEASE NOTE:

This posting will be used to fill multiple Research Attorney positions within the Administrative Office of the Probate & Family Court.

This posting will remain open until filled, however, preference will be given to candidates that applied during the initial 14 day posting period.

All applicants must submit their resume, in PDF format, with the online application.   Letters of recommendation are not requested or required. 

Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit a writing sample based on a writing prompt provided by the Probate and Family Court.

This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.

Position Summary: The Research Attorney is a professional position within the Probate and Family Court. This position involves:
• analyzing and researching legal issues and questions for the justices of the Probate and Family Court and the Administrative Office, and
• Preparing legal memoranda, drafting judicial decisions and other documents.

An employee is hired at the Research Attorney I level and is eligible for reclassification to the Research Attorney II level upon meeting the requirements of that level. The position title reverts to the entry level Research Attorney I position when there is a vacancy.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS:


Research Attorney I: This is the entry level position title within this series. An employee is expected to perform the full range of legal duties of this position and to train for the next higher level.


Research Attorney II: This is the second level position title within this series. An employee is expected to perform more complex and varied duties which require more knowledge of case law, statutes, rules, and court policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Research Attorneys work directly with the judges and Administrative Office staff, and under the supervision of the Manager of Legal Research Services, the Managing Attorney, and the Chief Justice.

Duties:

Research Attorney I Duties: 

• Research legal issues and questions, and assist in preparing well-written and error-free legal research memoranda and drafting findings of fact, conclusions of law, rationales, judgments and memoranda of decision, particularly in complex cases;
• Assist in the training, administration, and oversight of law clerks and interns;
• Confer with and advise judges and Administrative Office staff on legal issues;
• Assist in preparing materials for committees, meetings, and judicial conferences;
• Accurately and timely perform all required administrative tasks;
• Travel to courthouses as required; and
• Perform related duties as required.

Research Attorney II Duties:
• Regularly research complex or novel issues or arguments of law and prepare memoranda;
• Regularly assist in the training, administration and oversight of law clerks and interns;
• Perform special projects as assigned; and
• Perform all of the duties of the lower level title 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 Probate and Family Court Department and the Trial Court.

Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Probate and Family Court 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.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements:

These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Research Attorney:

Research Attorney I Requirements:
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school;
• Membership in the Massachusetts Bar;
• 2 or more years of relevant legal experience or a combination of legal experience or prior judicial clerkship experience as a law clerk as of the position start date.
• Prior post-graduate judicial clerkship, particularly in the Probate and Family Court Department, is preferred;
• Excellent legal writing and communication skills;
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, using both online and book resources;
• Ability to assist in the training, administration and oversight of law clerks and interns;
• Experience and knowledge in the use of personal computers, including word processing programs such as Microsoft Word and legal research services such as Lexis or Westlaw;
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions;
• Demonstrated ability to manage, prioritize, and complete simultaneous assignments;
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently while maintaining productivity and demonstrating good judgment;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and otherwise complete assignments in a timely manner;
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a professional setting, including judges, managers, court staff, and law clerks; and
• Willingness and ability to travel to courthouses as required.

Research Attorney II Requirements
• A minimum of four years of experience as a Research Attorney I;
• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system and court policies, procedures and practices;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and research complex legal issues;
• Demonstrated ability to assist in the training, administration and oversight of law clerks and interns; and
• Demonstrated ability to analyze administrative concerns and to develop feasible solutions.

Apply Now

Not You?

Thank you

Share this job with a friend!

Not You?

Thank you for sharing this job

Other People Viewed

Judicial Secretary - Haverhill District Court

499808 Haverhill Massachusetts United States Haverhill, Massachusetts, United States District Court Department Administrative, Clerical/Entry Level Full-time
The Haverhill District Court is currently seeking a talented and dedicated individual to fill the role of Judicial Secretary. This position is an integral part of the District Court Department at the Massachusetts Trial Court (MTC) and offers a un...

Case Specialist - Haverhill District Court

499814 Haverhill Massachusetts United States Haverhill, Massachusetts, United States District Court Department Clerical/Entry Level Full-time
Are you passionate about the judicial system and dedicated to providing excellent public service? Join our team at the Haverhill District Court and play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient processing of legal cases. As a Case Spec...

Temporary Case Specialist - Barnstable Superior Court

499778 Barnstable Massachusetts United States Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States Superior Court Dept Clerical/Entry Level Full-time
Join the Superior Court Department in Barnstable as a Temporary Case Specialist! Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and excellent customer service are paramount? The Superior Court Department is seeking a skilled ...

Operations Supervisor-Eastern Division Housing Court

499795 Boston Massachusetts United States Boston, Massachusetts, United States Housing Court Department Administrative Full-time
Oversee housing court operations for a vital public service in Boston. Lead a team providing exceptional administrative support while supervising case processing. Ensure quality standards, analyze data, and improve efficiency. 3-5 years supervisor...

Judicial Case Manager - Bristol Probate & Family Court

499805 Taunton Massachusetts United States Taunton, Massachusetts, United States Probate & Family Court Dept Legal/Attorney Full-time
This position involves a high level of professional legal and case management work of complex difficulty with supervisory responsibilities.   The employees in this position assist the First Justice and Associate Justices in performing their legal ...

Deputy Legal Counsel-Land Court

499800 Boston Massachusetts United States Boston, Massachusetts, United States Land Court Legal/Attorney, Managerial Full-time
**Seeking Excellence in Land Law: Deputy Legal Counsel-Land Court** The Massachusetts Trial Court invites talented attorneys to join our esteemed Land Court team as Deputy Legal Counsel-Land Court in Boston. Provide expert counsel on complex land...

Employment with the Trial Court is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.

Apply Now

Not You?

Thank you