Employment Attorney

Employment Attorney (2600046E) Department: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Position Status: Confidential – Full‑time Day shift, One opening. Duties and Responsibilities Serve as the Department’s primary legal advisor on employment law matters, providing counsel on workplace policies, employee relations, accommodations, investigations, discipline, wage and hour compliance, and anti‑discrimination requirements. Represent the Department in administrative proceedings, enforcement actions, and employment‑related litigation before agencies and tribunals including MCAD, EEOC, DUA, DALA, and other state and federal forums. Manage all phases of employment litigation, including case evaluation, legal research, discovery, motion practice, evidentiary review, hearing preparation, and post‑hearing submissions. Draft, review, and negotiate settlement agreements, legal correspondence, enforcement actions, and other legal documents to support Department operations and compliance objectives. Advise Department leadership, managers, and program staff on legal risk management, employment decisions, litigation strategy, and the development of legally sound policies and procedures. Assist in the development, interpretation, and implementation of employment‑related regulations, policies, and operational practices that align with state and federal legal requirements. Provide legal guidance and support to assigned Department programs, helping advance agency initiatives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Coordinate enforcement activities and legal matters with external agencies, law enforcement partners, labor representatives, and other governmental entities as required. Develop and deliver training programs for managers and staff on employment law, workplace compliance, employee relations, labor issues, and related legal topics. Serve as the Department’s employment law subject matter expert, providing guidance to leadership and staff on complex workplace issues and emerging legal developments. Supervise and mentor attorneys of a lower grade, support professional development efforts, and ensure compliance with ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility. Collaborate with Department staff to improve business processes, protect confidential information, support policy development, and promote a professional, respectful, equitable, and non‑discriminatory work environment. Required Qualifications General knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of law, particularly employment law. Familiarity with the procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings. Understanding of methods for conducting legal research and technical report writing. Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing agency operations. Preferred Qualifications Experience practicing employment law, including advising organizations on employee relations, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, accommodations, and compliance matters. Knowledge of federal and Massachusetts employment laws, regulations, and administrative procedures, including wage and hour, discrimination, leave, and labor relations requirements. Experience with administrative litigation and representation before agencies such as MCAD, EEOC, DUA, DALA, or comparable hearings. Proven ability to analyze complex legal issues, assess organizational risk, and develop practical, legally sound recommendations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, settlement agreements, policies, and training materials. Ability to build collaborative relationships with executives, managers, human resources professionals, labor representatives, and other stakeholders. Strong understanding of workplace investigations, employee misconduct matters, performance management, and progressive discipline practices. Experience with legal research, litigation strategy development, discovery management, motion practice, and settlement negotiations. Capacity to present legal concepts and compliance requirements to diverse audiences through training, consultation, and guidance. Familiarity with public sector employment practices, collective bargaining environments, government operations, and administrative law principles. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams. Certification and Licensing Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar, and at least six years of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) professional experience in the practice of law in a specialized area relevant to the Department. Three years of supervisory experience may be required for certain assignments. A valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License may also be required. Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action We are an Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. #J-18808-Ljbffr