Deputy Legal Counsel - Land Court

Minimum Requirements : These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Deputy Legal Counsel : Education and ExperienceLaw Degree from an accredited college or universityFive (5) years of relevant work experienceMassachusetts Bar Membership in good standingDemonstrated Supervisory ExperienceKnowledge of : Relevant statutes, case law, and other legal sourcesDepartmental and court rules, standing orders, guidelines, policies, and proceduresPrinciples and practices of employee supervisionLegal research methods and techniques, including computerized legal resources and toolsLegislative drafting and style guidesLand Court specific case types and facility working with issues involving mortgage and land title disputes, zoning and subdivision, real estate contract enforcement, partition, land conveyance documents, Servicemember Civil Relief Act, real estate tax lien foreclosure and redemption, and the Massachusetts General Laws chapter 185 Land Registration system.Skill in : Legal analysis and writingLeadershipAttention to detailOrganization and time managementAbility to : Analyze complex legal issues, identify problems, and develop feasible solutionsConduct legal researchCommunicate effectively, both orally and in writingMaintain confidentiality of informationEstablish effective working relationships with othersCreate and present clear and concise training materialsPrepare and maintain appropriate, clear, and accurate reportsWork independently and follow oral and written instructionsWork effectively with a variety of business and office technology, including the Microsoft Office software and productivity toolsDepartmental Mission Statement : The Land Court’s mission is to provide an accessible forum where specialized expertise is applied to resolve disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property throughout the Commonwealth. The judges and staff are committed to serving the public and the real estate and trial bars in a respectful, efficient manner by issuing decisions that are equitable and legally well-reasoned, and by providing readily available, reliable guidance to property owners and registries of deeds regarding registered land transactions.Position Summary : Provides recommendations and guidance to the Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, judges, Recorder, and other court staff on a variety of complex legal matters. Performs legal research, writes memoranda, develops court procedures and rules, analyzes legal and administrative issues, and drafts proposed legislation or legislative testimony, prepares and presents trainings, and manages litigation on behalf of the department. This position serves as a supervisor to others.Supervision Received : Serves under the direction of the Departmental Legal Counsel, supporting the legal needs of the Chief Justice, Deputy Court Administrator, and other court employees as required.Duties : Provides advice and guidance on legal matters, including policy and procedure, processes related to new statutes, rules, etc., and litigation involving the court;Develops guidance and procedures to assist court departments and the Trial Court in implementing new policies, processes, and / or forms in an effort to ensure uniform practices and application of law;Responds to inquiries from Justices, the Recorder, and other employees in the department. Serves as a liaison between the court department and government agencies, members of the Bar, and members of the public;Conducts and coordinates special research projects as necessary; legal expertise and clear and concise communication and organizational skills are essential in fulfilling this role;May supervise legal staff at the direction of the ADCA-Legal Counsel, including the assignment of work and review of performance and quality of work;Interprets and applies court rules, standing orders, statutes, directives, and policies related to matters within the court department;Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal bulletins, memoranda, draft rules, and uniform practices;Participates as a member of and / or professional staff to departmental, cross-departmental, and Trial Court committees, task forces, and working groups;Tracks and summarizes prospective legislation to advise on impact and make recommendations;Develops and conducts trainings for staff; andPerforms other 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 Land Court Departmental mission.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, 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr