Attorney Advisor

DescriptionThe Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the independent state agency that enforces the Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, education, credit, and public accommodations by investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating complaints of discrimination. The MCAD also offers remedial and preventive training and publishes resources online, such as model policies, posters, and guides. The MCAD is seeking a dynamic and dedicated professional to fill the role of Attorney Advisor. As a member of the Investigations Division, Attorney Advisor attorneys are responsible for advising their assigned Compliance Officers (Investigators) and other staff members on legal questions and issues; ensuring proper substantive analysis in investigative cases; making recommendations and drafting orders on motions in investigative cases; reviewing drafts of recommendations for disposition; and drafting legal documents including investigative Orders and dispositions. They will also provide information to the public on agency functions, rules and regulations; conduct preliminary hearings on appeals from findings of Lack of Probable Cause; review complaints for jurisdictional and other legal issues; and perform related work as required. Incumbents may assist in the informal resolution of claims. Incumbents may conduct preliminary investigations or special investigations in cases assigned to them and prepare recommendations to the Chief of Investigations, to the Chair of the Commission, or to the Director of Preliminary Investigations,regarding dispositions of those cases. Incumbents may be appointed to prosecute complaints in which probable cause has been found. This position will be responsible for the aforementioned duties and responsibilities in the Boston office and all other MCAD office locations as assigned. Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):· Serves as legal advisor to his/her assigned Compliance Officers and other Compliance Officers as needed. · Makes recommendations to the Chief of Investigations or to the Chair of the Commission and drafts sua sponte in cases assigned to Compliance Officers and drafts orders from motions as assigned by the Clerk of the Commission.· Reviews draft dispositions to advise on the adequacy of the investigation and substantive analysis, and the correctness of the recommendations.· Review cases with the intent of identifying novel legal issues, which may be of interest to the Commission in establishing new law or public policy. Through the Attorney Advisor supervisor or Director of Preliminary Investigations, the Attorney Advisor provides notice regarding those cases to Chief of Investigations and the Office of the General Counsel.· Review cases with the intent of identifying cases with significant public interest. Through the Attorney Advisor supervisor or Director of Preliminary Investigations, the Attorney Advisor provides notice of these cases to the Chief of Investigations· Review and make recommendations on appeals from findings of Lack of Probable Cause.· May review new complaints filed through Preliminary Investigations.· May conduct preliminary or special investigations in assigned cases, engage in informal resolution of complaints, identify statutory violations and resolve through compliance actions, if directed, prosecute complaints through hearing or other disposition when appointed to do so, and prepare recommendations to the Chief of Investigations, the Chair of the Commission, or to the Director of Preliminary Investigations regarding dispositions of assigned cases.· Will also provide information to the public on agency functions, rules and regulations.· When designated by the Chief of Investigations or General Counsel, or designee, the Attorney Advisor will also represent the agency at continuing legal education seminars and other trainings.· Perform other related investigative and administrative duties and functions as required by the Commission.Application should include a cover letter addressed to Lila Roberts, Chief of Investigations.QualificationsFirst consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. Comprehensive BenefitsWhen you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative 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. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.Job Field: Legal ServicesOrganization: Commission Against DiscriminationSchedule: Full-timeShift: Day