Deputy General Counsel - Joint Committee on the Judiciary

• Provide legal research and analysis and opinion on bills before the Committee and other topics of interest to the Chair;

• Analyze legislation pending before the Committee, including preparing bill summaries and legal memoranda, and make recommendations to the Chair;

• Draft legislation, including committee redrafts of bills, amendments, commission reports, and other supplementary materials as directed;

• Advise Committee staff regarding procedures and statutes that bear on matters before the Committee;

• Assist Chair and Committee General Counsel on legislative commissions as needed, including managing calendar, recording minutes, preserving records, and ensuring compliance with various procedural and statutory obligations;

• In consultation with Research Director, track Committee bills and legislative initiatives contained within the budget through the legislative process;

• Assure that the Committee timely administers bills assigned to the Committee in accordance with Joint, House, and Committee deadlines and rules;

• Assist Research Director to plan, organize, and facilitate Committee hearings, including collecting testimony, preparing hearing notices, and drafting legal briefs and other materials for Chair;

• Meet with government officials and other stakeholder and constituency groups regarding matters before the Committee;

• Respond to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives, and constituency groups regarding bills before the Committee;

• Attend hearings, events and meetings on behalf of Chair;

• Prepare briefing materials for the Chair and create reference materials on topical issues;

• Draft talking points and other speaking materials for the Chair;

• Maintain files and archives of Committee materials;

• Utilize research data bases;

• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite;

• Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

• Ability to interface and work with different communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;

• Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;

• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;

• Proficiency in legal research; experience with Westlaw preferred;

• Excellent writing and communication skills;

• Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;

• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology;

• Demonstrated understanding of, and adherence to, legal privilege doctrines and confidentiality requirements for sensitive Committee materials, personally-identifiable information, and related documents and testimony; and

• Ability to follow-up and complete tasks.

• J. D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing are required.

• Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred.

Salary: Annual salary for this position will be $70,161.

Benefits: As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, benefits include health, life, dental and vision insurance, long term disability, flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation plans and employee assistance programs. Additionally, retirement benefits are available, depending upon one’s length of employment.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all assigned duties, responsibilities or skills required of the Deputy General Counsel and may be amended at any time in the sole discretion of the House.

How to Apply:

Applicants should address their communication to Patrick G. Prendergast, Staff Director, and email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, policy memorandum or legal brief, or other appropriate writing sample to Talia.Quinn@mahouse.gov.