The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an Assistant General Counsel (Counsel II) for its Southeast Region, based in our Wrentham office. This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys looking to take on meaningful, hands-on legal work in a collaborative, mission-driven public sector environment. Assistant General Counsels (AGCs) play a key role in advancing DDS's mission by providing practical, solutions oriented legal advice on a broad range of matters, including Probate and Family Court proceedings, benefits eligibility, service delivery, privacy and records, protective services, tort liability, and agency regulations and policy. AGCs maintain an active and diverse caseload, representing DDS in guardianship matters (including substituted judgment cases) in Probate and Family Court, as well as in administrative proceedings such as eligibility, priority, and ISP appeals, BSEA matters, and hearings before DALA. They are responsible for all aspects of case handling, from drafting pleadings and legal memoranda to preparing cases for hearing and advocating on behalf of the agency. In addition to casework, AGCs serve as trusted advisors to field staff, providing timely legal guidance, responding to subpoenas and records requests, and supporting risk management and compliance efforts. They also develop and deliver trainings to staff on legal topics and best practices. This role offers valuable leadership experience, as AGCs oversee the regional legal office, supervise paralegals and support staff, and implement systems to manage caseloads, track deadlines, and ensure efficient operations. AGCs also collaborate with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office on litigation involving DDS and build strong working relationships with agency staff, clinicians, and court personnel. This position is ideal for attorneys seeking to deepen their litigation and advisory skills, gain supervisory experience, and make a direct impact through public service in a supportive and respected state agency. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): -Represents DDS in Probate Court and administrative proceedings, including guardianship matters, eligibility and ISP appeals, Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) cases, and Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) hearings; prepares pleadings, memoranda, and related legal documents. - Provides timely legal advice and consultation to DDS staff on a wide range of issues, including probate law, protective services, privacy/records, torts, and agency regulations and policy. - Manages and oversees all legal operations within the regional office, including supervising paralegals/support staff, tracking cases and deadlines, maintaining records and statistics, and ensuring efficient workflow. -Responds to subpoenas, records requests, risk reviews, and other legal correspondence; completes administrative responsibilities accurately and promptly. -Assists the Attorney General's Office with cases involving DDS. - Develops and delivers trainings to field staff on legal matters and regional legal office processes. -Maintains professional relationships with DDS staff, clinicians, court personnel, and external stakeholders. -Performs additional legal and administrative duties as assigned, including statewide travel as required. Required Qualifications: - Commitment to public service and mission of DDS. - Active member of the Massachusetts Bar or eligible to waive into Massachusetts Bar and at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the practice of law or in a position requiring membership in the Bar. - Ability to interpret legal opinions, laws, court decisions, rules, regulations, proposed legislation, and administrative rulings. - Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills. Excellent oral and written advocacy skills. - Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a strong ability to successfully multi-task and prioritize work. - Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information. - Possession of current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment - Proficient usage of Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams). Preferred Qualifications: - Experience handling court or administrative hearings preferred. - Proven track record as a team player. - Prior supervision experience. Please Note:This position is located in Wrentham. Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area office. About the Department of Developmental Services: The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government. For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Assistant General Counsel requisition. Pre-Hire Process: Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. · Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes: · Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry · Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori · National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at:EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests For technical help with Mass/Careers/, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance. For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4. First 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 (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. 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. 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: Department of Developmental Services Title: Assistant General Counsel Location: Massachusetts-Wrentham-Emerald Street Requisition ID: 260003SX
