Massachusetts Jobs

The Law Department is responsible for providing legal representation and advice to the City and its officials in numerous areas of law including but not limited to: zoning, environmental, employment, civil rights, contracts, tax, real estate and torts involving personal injury and property damage claims. Members of the legal staff also regularly attend and provide advice at meetings of the City Council and sub-committees thereof and to City boards and commissions. In addition to drafting ordinances and other legal documents, numerous verbal and written opinions are rendered to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and Department Heads. ABOUT THE ROLE: The Deputy City Solicitor will perform a variety of complex, high level legal, administrative, managerial, and supervisory work assisting the City Solicitor in overseeing and directing all Law Department activities as set forth in the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.26. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated attorney with municipal law experience, litigation experience and supervisory experience. The successful candidate will be an organized self-starter who takes ownership of projects and tasks, but also is also able to delegate to and supervise Assistant City Solicitors. Along with the City Solicitor, the Deputy City Solicitor supervises the First Assistant City Solicitor, eight Assistant City Solicitors, and the Public Records Access Officer, who are engaged in active litigation and time-sensitive non-litigation work. The Deputy City Solicitor has direct accountability for department results. The department strives to help the City Manager, City Council, City departments, and City boards/commissions/committees achieve their goals within the parameters of the law. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision and direction of the City Solicitor, the Deputy City Solicitor?s duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Oversee and handle the prosecution and defense of suits in which the City is a party in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Oversee and handle transactional matters in which the City is involved. Provide representation and advice to the City Manager, City Council, department heads and other City officials on a broad variety of legal issues, rights, obligations and practices under applicable federal, state and local laws, and exercise sound judgment in making decisions and rendering advice regarding the City?s legal affairs. Draft, review and approve advisory opinions to the City Manager, City Council, School Committee, department heads, and boards/commissions/committees. Draft, review and approve legislation and a wide range of legal instruments. Provides training to City staff and board/commission/committee members on a variety of matters. Regularly attend meetings, including evening meetings, of the City Council and its subcommittees, as well as meetings of other boards/commissions/committees as needed. Assist in the supervision, training and evaluation of attorneys, the public records access officers and administrative support staff. Assist with the department?s budgeting and overall office management, including short- and long-range planning for the department. Assist with implementing and recommending office best practices, such as records management and case management practices. Perform related work as required and at the direction of the City Solicitor. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school required. Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice before Massachusetts state and federal courts. Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts and federal law required. Familiarity with Massachusetts Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law and Conflict of Interest Law. Full job description: https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CAMBRIDGEMA&cws=37&rid=1038