Massachusetts Jobs

JOB SUMMARY The Associate Counsel is the entry-level legal counsel position in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means (Committee). The Associate Counsel analyzes legislation and budgetary documents referred to the Committee and provides other legal services at the direction of the Committee’s General Counsel. The position reports to the General Counsel. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Primary Duties and Responsibilities: * Analyze and, when necessary, amend or redraft legislation referred to the Committee for reporting to the full Senate. * Consult with state agencies, constitutional offices, and the judiciary on the fiscal impact and policy implications of pending legislation. * Prepare bill summaries, participate in the polling of Committee members, and assist the Chair and General Counsel on the floor of the Senate. * Participate in the review of all legal and policy issues arising in preparation of the annual state budget, supplemental budgets, and other pieces of legislation, as assigned. * Draft debate materials for the Committee Chair on the annual state budget, supplemental budgets, proposed amendments to budgets, and other legislation reported by the Committee in formal session. Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include: * Make recommendations to the General Counsel and Committee Chair on bills to be reported favorably to the full Senate. * Prepare memoranda on legal issues of pending legislation, the annual state budget, supplemental budgets, and any other legal issues, as assigned. * Meet with senators, legislative staff, judges, agency administrators, and other stakeholders on the annual state budget and other pending legislation. * Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Juris Doctor (JD) degree, at least 1 year of relevant work experience, and a member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar. A graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for 1 year of relevant work experience. 2. Experience with and knowledge of the legislative and budget process, public policy, or special-interest advocacy. 3. Ability to read, interpret, research, and analyze federal and state laws and other rules and regulations related to state governance. 4. Basic understanding of the legislative process, legislative drafting, and state government operations. 5. Excellent interpersonal skills and temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities and stakeholders in a tactful, positive, collaborative, and professional manner. 6. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 7. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 8. Knowledge of office computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and remote meeting platforms. Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team. 9. Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. 10. Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends. /The Senate’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation, including, but not limited to:/ * /75% state-paid medical insurance premium/ * /Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans/ * /Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs/ * /Low-cost basic and optional life insurance - Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan/ * /12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time/ * /Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave - Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities/ * /Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options/ * /Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities/ * /Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program/ /The Massachusetts Senate is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, military, and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Our goal is to be a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the diverse commonwealth we serve, and women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply./ *Job: Administrative Services *Organization: Senate *Title: *Attorney I - Associate Counsel – Senate Committee on Ways & Means Location: Massachusetts-Boston - State House Requisition ID: 2400088B