Legal Counsel (Temporary)

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Counsel I- Northern Legal (260006G0)

Counsel I- Northern Legal - ( 260006G0 )

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic, service-minded legal professional to fill the role of Counsel I .

Interpret laws, court decisions, opinions, rules, and regulations applicable to the agency.

Prepare petitions, affidavits, memorandum of law, discovery motions, findings of fact, and other legal documents for agency court-involved cases.

Prepare opinions and advise clinical agency staff on legal procedures and requirements for agency cases that are pending in the courts.

Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation, or policy, or other topics as needed.

Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules, and regulations related to the administration and enforcement of laws within the jurisdiction of the agency.

About the Department of Children and Families:

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency, and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary; 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io and select option #4.

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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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. Legal Services