Public Records Staff Attorney at Commonwealth of Massachusetts

ABOUT THIS POSITION: The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking candidates for a Staff Attorney position in the Public Records Division (Division). The Division (Division) administers the updated Massachusetts Public Records Law. Under the authority of the Supervisor of Records (Supervisor) the Division processes and issues determinations on appeals from petitioners denied access to government records; responds to inquires involving the interpretation of public records statutes and regulations; and provides training to government employees and their agents throughout Massachusetts. The Staff Attorney will work in fast-paced deadline driven environment and will be responsible for providing legal support to the Supervisor and Division in administering the Massachusetts Public Records Law.REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: Performs complex legal research involving state and federal case-law statutes regulations Attorney General Opinions Executive Orders and prior Supervisor Determinations; Review appeals from public records requesters who have been denied access to government records; Draft administrative Public Records Law determinations on issues including privacy police records settlement agreements government contracts; Responds to inquiries from records custodians records requesters and general public relating to the Public Records Law; Provides legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression; Conducts trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested; Provides general legal support for the Division including the Commissions Section; Some in-state travel may be required; Performs other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Ability to communicate timely and effectively both orally and in writing; Strong legal writing skills; Law Review or Journal experience preferred; Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines; Ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner.About usThe Secretary of the Commonwealths office comprises 23 departments across 19 locations around Massachusetts.As the third-ranking constitutional officer in Massachusetts the Secretary of the Commonwealth serves as the chief election officer chief information officer and chief securities regulator in Massachusetts. Additionally the office is charged with registering business entities and lobbyists distributing grants for historic preservation safeguarding the states public records and artifacts and much more.Whatever your background or area of interest there is a place for you at the Secretary of the Commonwealths office.Statement of Diversity and Anti-DiscriminationThe Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a representative of the Commonwealth and its residents the Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions. It is the policy of The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability marital status veteran status sexual orientation genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.Disability AccommodationQualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance contact ADA Coordinator Rebecca Murray at or Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement for EmploymentAs a condition of employment successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.Remote workThis position is not eligible for remote work.Total CompensationAs an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity to influence a wide spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but its more than a paycheck. The States total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that you should consider towards your overall compensation including:75% state paid medical insurance premiumReasonable Dental and Vision PlansFlexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programsLow cost basic and optional life insuranceRetirement Savings: State Employees Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan12 paid holidays per year and Sick Vacation and Personal TimeTuition benefits for employee at state colleges and universitiesShort-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation optionsIncentive-based Wellness ProgramsProfessional Development and Continuing Education opportunitiesQualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness ProgramHow to Apply:To apply please send: 1) a copy of your resume 2) a cover letter 3) three references to DO NOT APPLY VIA MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: J.D. degree; Admission to the Massachusetts Bar preferred but will consider recent graduates.Apply for a JobApply for a Job for JAWS UsersCreate a ProfileCreate a Profile for JAWS UsersSystem RequirementsTell us about a friend who might be interested in this job.All privacy rights will be protected.Required Experience:Staff IC Key Skills Clerical,Diploma,Foreclosure Paralegal,Flight Operations,Construction Equipment Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1