Deputy Legal Counsel - Administrative Office of the District Court (Springfield)

Title: Deputy Legal Counsel - Administrative Office of the District Court (Springfield)

Pay Grade: Senior Management 1

Starting Pay: $105,858.26

Departmental Mission Statement: As a gateway to justice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the District Court is dedicated to the administration of justice in a fair, impartial, and timely manner in accordance with the rule of law. In fulfilling this role, the District Court shall provide the communities it serves with an environment that is safe, accessible, and respectful to all. The District Court shall conduct its business with integrity, competence, and a commitment to excellence in order to promote public trust and confidence in the judicial system.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
http://www.mass.gov/courts/districtcourt/index.html

Notes: This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.  The Deputy Legal Counsel will be expected to travel to courts within their assigned region. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Position Summary: Working within the Administrative Office of the District Court, the Deputy Legal Counsel provides advice on legal matters, researches legal questions, writes memoranda, develops court procedures and rules, analyzes legal and administrative issues, drafts regulations and proposed legislation, prepares and presents trainings, manages litigation involving the District Court Department. The Administrative Office of the District Court (AODC) provides administrative and legal support to Justices, Clerk-Magistrates, and employees of the District Court, under the direction of the Chief Justice of the District Court.  

Supervision Received: The Deputy Legal Counsel reports jointly to the General Counsel and the Deputy Court Administrator of the District Court Department.

Duties:

• The Deputy Legal Counsel provides legal support to the Justices, Clerk-Magistrates, and employees of the District Court Department, as well as to the Administrative Office of the District Court on cases and all law-related matters in the District Court;
• Conducts special research projects as necessary; legal expertise and clear and concise communication skills are essential in fulfilling this role;
• Interprets and applies court rules, standing orders, statutes, directives, and policies related to matters within the District Court;
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal bulletins, memoranda, draft rules, and uniform practices;
• Responds to inquiries and requests from Justices, Clerk-Magistrates, court employees, attorneys, and the public concerning legal aspects of the District Court;
• Develops and assists in the development of training materials and presents training for Justices, Clerk-Magistrates, and other employees of the District Court;
• Makes recommendations as to policy and procedure on a variety of District Court related matters;
• Provides legal advice to judges and other court personnel on all law-related matters in the District Court;
• Represents the District Court and acts as professional staff to Trial Court committees, task forces and working groups as assigned by the Legal Counsel or Deputy Court Administrator of the District Court;
• Serves as the liaison between the District Court Department and state agencies and community resources dealing with matters within the jurisdiction of the District Court as assigned; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Competencies: 

Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and District Court missions.

Applied Knowledge Demonstrated experience using knowledge of court rules and law as they pertain to the District Court Department.

Problem Solving Accurately identifies legal and operational issues regarding administration in the District Court Department and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions. Accurately assesses a variety of problems in the District Court and develops feasible solutions.

Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

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.

Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Deputy Legal Counsel:
• Law Degree from an accredited Law School;
• Admission to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
• Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system and applicable statutes, case law, court rules and procedures relating to the District Court;
• Five (5) years or more of legal experience with particular emphasis on matters within the jurisdiction of the District Court Department; management experience is preferred;
• Thorough knowledge of sophisticated legal research techniques and methods, including competence in computer-assisted legal research, such as the skilled use of Westlaw and other online legal research services;
• Considerable skills and abilities in the application of logical reasoning to perform detailed statutory analysis;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, judges, employees and government agencies employees;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to independently complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments;
• Ability to properly rank competing work priorities and to work efficiently to fulfill those priorities in a timely manner; and
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and to develop feasible solutions.