Associate counsel

The Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) executes fiscal and administrative policies to ensure the financial stability, efficiency, and effectiveness of state government. A&F develops, analyzes, and manages the Commonwealth’s financial planning and resource allocation activities, including the Governor’s annual budget submission to the Legislature. This is a fast-paced environment that offers an opportunity to work on complex, high-priority legal and policy matters affecting state government. Successful candidates must be self-motivated, adaptable, and responsible team players.

The Associate Counsel will work with the General Counsel and the Deputy Counsels to provide general legal review, advice, and guidance on varying topics within an assigned portfolio of legal and policy areas. The position will also advise on compliance matters; draft legislation; and participate in strategy and policy development for the Executive Office of A&F, in partnership with Secretariats and agencies across the Commonwealth. The Associate Counsel will also advise and serve on cross-disciplinary work streams within the secretariat.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Analysis and interpretation of applicable laws, policies, and contract provisions as it relates to policy matters before the Executive Office
• Prepare legal memoranda on matters before the Executive Office
• Provide policy and legal recommendations and draft legislation related to the annual state budget, supplemental budgets and bond bills, as assigned by the General Counsel or a Deputy General Counsel
• Advise and assist with legislative matters, including providing analysis, preparing comments and drafting legislation
• Analyze proposed regulations and advise on legal, policy, and implementation considerations
• Develop policy proposals with both internal and external stakeholders
• Develop a deep understanding of federal compliance guidance
• Perform other such duties as requested and required by the General Counsel and/or the Deputy General Counsels

Required Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of relevant experience; and
• Membership in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong collaboration skills to think through problems, organize information, and identify key factors and underlying causes either through legal analysis or policy development.
• Familiarity and comfort with working in a cross-disciplinary team.
• Ability to complete assignments within stated timelines, either through self-direction or within a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience implementing regulatory and uniform guidance.
• Previous legislative drafting experience.
• Demonstrated policy development experience.
• Knowledge and experience with Massachusetts public records law.
• Previous public sector experience preferred but not required.
• Interest in public service as demonstrated through education, work, or volunteer activities.
• Diverse candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

• A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
• A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the (A) required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the (A) required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.