Counsel (Finance)

Who We Are: MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ premier development finance agency and land bank, collaborates with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and municipalities to catalyze economic growth across the Commonwealth. Our mission is anchored in three core pillars: driving business innovation, accelerating economic development, and empowering communities, and rooted in the principles of access, equity, and inclusion, we are committed to fostering a thriving, resilient economy.

Make an Impact with Us!

Are you interested in applying your strong financial services legal background as well as your problem solving and collaboration skills to advance economic development in Massachusetts? MassDevelopment is looking for a mission-driven attorney with at least five years of relevant legal experience to join its team-oriented and collaborative legal department. In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert providing practical and sound legal counsel to colleagues across various business units, with a focus on finance-related transactions.

You’ll conduct legal research, help ensure compliance with statutory authority, Board-adopted policies, and applicable laws, and play a key part in driving financial deals to closure. We’re looking for proactive, adaptable individuals who cultivate a growth mindset, e.g., are excited to learn new areas of law and policy and are eager to boost economic development in Massachusetts. This role is an opportunity to apply your financial services expertise and problem-solving skills to make a meaningful impact within a team-oriented environment.

Beyond finance transactions, you’ll support the variety of issues handled by the in-house legal team, such as procurement, drafting and reviewing grant agreements, responding to public records requests, and litigation matters. You’ll also tackle other assignments as they arise in the day-to-day operations of the legal department. This position is perfect for you if you thrive on problem-solving and collaboration and want to play a meaningful role in advancing the Agency’s goals. Ready to make an impact? MassDevelopment needs someone like you!

What You’ll Do

• Provide the Agency and its component business units with legal advice, knowledge and expertise.
• Assist in structuring, negotiating and closing commercial lending transactions.
• Conduct research on relevant and emerging areas of law.
• Support the Finance Programs and Growth Capital Division staff in commercial and small business lending programs, with specific duties as follows.
  § Advising on commercial lending transactions (secured, unsecured, asset-based, real estate, construction financing, credit enhancements, participation, and intercreditor agreements), bond deals (tax-exempt financing for nonprofits, affordable housing, manufacturing, infrastructure, and municipal projects), and legal issues related to loan and security documents (loan agreements, guaranty agreements, promissory notes, modifications, subordinations, and workouts).
  § Ensure compliance with state and federal lending programs, including the State Small Business Credit Initiative, New Markets Tax Credit program, Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, and other programs administered by the Agency.
  § Manage outside counsel relationships, in consultation with the General Counsel, as needed.
  
• Stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and legal precedents relevant to the practice area.
• Provide internal training to stakeholders on various legal issues and emerging areas of the law.
• Perform other duties as directed by the General Counsel.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• A J.D. from an accredited Law School.
• Massachusetts Bar membership.
• At least five years of experience working in a law firm, in-house legal department, or another public or quasi-public agency in the field of commercial and small business lending.
• Strong commercial banking background including loan restructuring, bankruptcy, intercreditor agreements; construction lender and commercial real estate expertise.
• Ability to oversee many projects concurrently while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent client relations skills.
• Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel periodically (predominantly within Massachusetts).
• Familiarity with state conflict of interest, open meetings, and public records laws a plus. 
• Understanding of workplace concepts and issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, belonging, and anti-oppression.

What We Offer

A robust and generous benefits package in addition to legally required benefits.

• Student Loan Reimbursement for qualified educational debt in compliance with Agency policies and program guidelines 
• Tuition Reimbursement for qualified educational debt in compliance with Agency policies and program guidelines
• Medical and Dental Coverage
• Generous employer Contributions to Retirement Savings Plans
  • 7.5% employer contribution into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan 
  • 457(b) with employer match of up to 5% of employee’s gross pay
• Fitness/Wellness Reimbursement
• Qualified Expense Reimbursement consistent with Agency policies