What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Counsel III position at The First Church of Christ, Scientist?
Department: Office of the General Counsel
SUMMARY
This position provides legal counsel to client departments of The First Church of Christ, Scientist (“The Mother Church”) and its affiliate entities, including the Christian Science Publishing Society.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides legal representation and services to clients as needed.
- Acquires an understanding of the client department’s business, goals and direction and supports the achievement of these goals by working closely with the client department in a way which facilitates rather than hinders the client’s legitimate business needs.
- Consults with the client department in guarding against legal risks. Anticipates the client’s legal needs and gives prompt and responsive assistance.
- Collaborates and cooperates with counsel within the office and with outside legal counsel in various legal matters.
- Acts as a liaison between outside legal counsel and client departments, watching and managing the delivery of outside legal advice given.
- Regularly reviews current and proposed statutes, laws and cases for possible impact on client department’s actions, decisions, and policies. Assists client departments in understanding changes of law and assessing the impact of changes.
- Analyzes facts and law to recommend advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits or similar actions.
- Manages and delegates work to paralegals, legal assistants and other support staff.
- Depending on level of position, additional duties as follows:
Level II
- Covers broader areas of law
- Works with less supervision
- Works with higher levels of managers
Level III
- May lead and direct the work of others
- May manage the work of the department
- May represent the General Counsel in daily activities of the department.
STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS
Reporting Relationships
Supervisor: General Counsel
Supervises: None
Regular Contacts
This position has regular contact with employees, managers, senior managers, professionals.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required. Admission to the Bar in at least one U.S. state is required.
- Associate Counsel I 2-5 years general practice with one year concentration in relevant areas
- Associate Counsel II 5-10 years general practice with 2 year concentration in relevant areas.
- Associate Counsel III >10 years general practice with 3 years concentration in relevant areas.
Knowledge/Skills
A demonstrable, thorough knowledge of applicable law and its practical application is required. Experience in nonprofit, tax, estates and trusts, real estate, data privacy and data security, or intellectual property law (copyright and trademark) desirable.
Technology Skills
Computer skills (e.g., competency utilizing online legal research platforms, word processing, presenting material through online meeting and/or webinar applications, various software and cloud platforms) are required.
Work Environment
This position works in the Boston office with an opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.
Engagement with Christian Science
Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
