Contract Attorney

PART-TIME CONTRACT ATTORNEY MASSACHUSETTS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission is a quasi-judicial agency whose primary mission is to hear and decide the appeals lodged by public employees under Chapter 31 of the General Laws. Seemass.gov/cscfor details. In short, the Commission is a quasi-judicial agency charged with ensuring that public employees, and those seeking appointment as public employees, receive fair and impartial treatment in all aspects of personnel administration. Appeals received by the Commission (over 200, on average, per year) generally regard appointments, promotions, disciplinary matters, examinations, and requests for reclassification. Hearings are typically conducted by individual Commissioners and often both the Appellant and the Appointing Authority are represented by counsel (although sometimes the Appellant appears/pro se/). The hearings are recorded; detailed notes are taken by the Commissioner; and exhibits are entered into the record. Counsel for both parties are given the opportunity to submit post-hearing briefs in the form of proposed decisions within 30 days of the close of the hearing. Based on the testimony, exhibits, and proposed decisions, the Commissioner completes a decision for consideration by the full Commission. Duties: Currently, there are cases in which a hearing has been conducted and a decision must still be drafted for the full Commission’s consideration. The Commission needs the short-term services of a contract attorney, preferably a member of the Massachusetts Bar with experience in labor and employment law, to assist with drafting these decisions. Limited training is available; the individual must have strong writing and organization skills; and must have availability in the winter of 2024/25 and through June 30, 2025 to complete the work assigned. All work can be completed remotely. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of administrative adjudicatory law. Knowledge of the methods of report or decisional writing. Ability to do legal research. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Excellent legal research, analysis, and, especially, writing skills. Compensation: A set rate will be established for each case file assigned to the contract attorney, which will be commensurate with an hourly stipend to be negotiated, depending on experience, for approved work activities. No benefits are associated with this part-time contract position. The Commission is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession and heartily welcomes applicants whose backgrounds and experiences would contribute to that commitment. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and be eligible for admission to the Massachusetts Bar. Comprehensive Benefits When 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: Legal Services Organization: Civil Service Commission Title: Contract Attorney Location: Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street Requisition ID: 240009MJ