Essential Functions:
Plans, directs and supervises all of the Town's legal affairs and activities of the Town's law department; coordinates activities with the Select Board and other Town departments, boards and commissions.
Provides immediate or informal legal opinions, on a walk-in or phone-in basis, for urgent questions, as well as everyday operational questions posted by Town officials.
Researches and writes formal, legal opinions on a variety of matters for Town officials, boards and commissions.
Investigates and evaluates claims against the Town and, as necessary, denies claims or negotiates settlements with attorneys, individuals claimants and insurance adjusters.
Investigates and evaluates claims by the Town against others, and makes decisions whether to negotiate or litigate the claim.
Directs and conducts discovery, investigation, pre-trial and post-trial motion practice for claims in litigation.
Represents the Town injury trials, bench trials, motion hearings and conferences in the superior courts, districts courts, land courts and the federal district court.
Represents the Town in appellate briefs and arguments before the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, the Appellate Division of the District Court, and before the appellate divisions of various administrative agencies.
Represents the Town in evidentiary hearings and other proceedings before various administrative agencies of the Commonwealth.
Handles all aspects of negotiations, claims and litigation related to insurance coverage.
Drafts and reviews contracts, legislation, Town Meeting articles, correspondence, litigation documents and other legal documents.
Drafts and reviews policies and procedures for various Town departments, boards and commissions.
Appears at public hearings and meetings, including meetings of the Select Board, Town Meeting, the Advisory Committee, and other boards and commissions to provide legal advice.
Provides general counsel services to all Town departments, boards, commissions, committees, elected and appointed officials.
Provides general counsel services to all Town departments, boards, commissions, committees, elected and appointed officials.
Conducts evidentiary hearings before the Select Board and the School Committee on licensing and disciplinary matters.
Reviews legal periodicals, advance sheets and other publications and attends continuing education courses to maintain a current knowledge of developments in municipal law.
Maintains good interpersonal relations with the various officials and employees of the Town.
Fulfills statutory duties with respect to the functions of the Town's medical panel.
Performs legal writing and research.
Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school; five years of experience in municipal law and general litigation.
Special Requirements:
Membership in the Massachusetts Bar required. Must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit within 90 days of appointment. Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge. Expert knowledge of municipal law. Expert knowledge of state and federal litigation processes. Thorough knowledge of municipal government and intergovernmental relations. Ability. Ability to deal appropriately and effectively with the general public, Town officials, commissions and boards, state and federal agencies, and the business community. Ability to negotiate contracts and other agreements with various parties. Ability to work under time pressure and in stressful circumstances. Ability to develop effective working relationships with subordinates and other Town departments. Ability to analyze and interpret laws, bylaws, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures, and apply them to specific situations and cases. Skill. Superior oral communication skills and the ability to represent the Town before an array of organizations. Excellent writing skills required. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a large number of projects and tasks at any given time. Possession of mediation, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Starting salary range $120 - 136k plus a comprehensive benefits package.
