Counsel I

Counsel I Job Description

Position Summary

This position is assigned to the Legal Department and will be the fourth attorney in the department. Functions include but are not limited to\: serving as the Records Access Officer and performing RAO duties related to public records requests; assisting agency’s privacy and security officers and tracking compliance with state and federal law; legal research in a variety of areas; maintenance of files and records (physical and e-records) in accordance with required procedures; maintenance of legal library; supporting the legal needs in Salesforce cases; maintain and update legal docket; and other duties as assigned. The Counsel 1 will also need to be familiar with the CommBuys CML system to facilitate contracting support. The employee must be able to learn new subjects and tasks quickly, be a self-motivated worker, have attention to detail, polished speaking skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be able to convey information in a concise, logical, and clear manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position reports to the General Counsel and will receive direction and guidance from the General Counsel and other senior attorneys.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

·       Maintenance of the legal files (electronic and paper) and organization of files

·       Serve as the Public Records Access Officer and prepare and respond to public records requests

·       Assist senior attorneys in responding to subpoenas and public records requests

·       Assist and support legal department responsibilities as privacy and security officers.

·       Conduct legal research, draft legal memoranda, and provide legal conclusions or recommendations to senior attorneys.

·       Taking notes at Commission meetings, and subsequently drafting Commission meeting minutes, drafting of meeting notices and compliance with Public Meeting notice requirements; and maintenance of the physical copies of Commission minutes in the GIC offices.

·       Coordinate the drafting of legal contracts resulting from procurements, with guidance from senior attorneys, which may include assembling and reviewing contracts, ensuring all contracts are signed by appropriate parties in a timely manner, and maintaining copies of contracts in the legal files. This will require familiarity the CommBuys CML system.

·       Manage the queue of legal cases in Salesforce or other case tracking system, which may include reviewing and assigning cases to appropriate legal staff, among other things.

Review of Powers of Attorney, with guidance from senior attorneys

·       General administrative duties, such as copying, scanning, referring legal questions from staff to senior attorneys and/or provide answers to staff

·       Ensure that staff and commissioners complete the state ethics training requirements and serve as the Statement of Financial Interest liaison with the State Ethics Commission

·       Assist with HIPAA and privacy matters, which includes maintaining the HIPAA breach log

·       Maintain and keep legal docket current

·       Other duties as assigned

Minimum Entrance Requirements (MERs)

Applicants must have passed the MA bar exam and hold a current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of MA.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Experience in law firm and/or governmental agency

·       Experience with administrative and regulatory law

·       Experience with Public records law

·       Comfortable working with high level officials/C-level

·       Trained in HIPAA and other privacy laws; experience in HIPAA breach log maintenance

·       Experience tracking compliance issues

·       Ability to work autonomously, once trained

·       Proficiency in tracking legal cases and projects, in a docketing system

·       Proven efficiency in a work from home environment

·       Curious to learn new topics and ability to learn new topics quickly

·       Attention to detail and accuracy

·       Excellent organizational skills

·       Excellent legal and general research skills

·       Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including ability to communicate in a precise, understandable manner and ability to communicate concisely, clearly and provide information in a logical sequence

·       Experience with administrative law, legislative process, and promulgation of regulations

·       Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines

·       Experience in handling highly sensitive and confidential information; ability to exercise discretion in handling such information; and knowledge of how to handle information protected under HIPAA

·       Ability to exercise sound judgment

·       Ability to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with others