Associate Labor and Employment Counsel

Job Description

This position requires you to submit a cover letter. Please submit one along with your application and resume.

DUTIES

Advises management on labor and employment law and practice, conducts internal discrimination and other employment investigations, and represents the Commission in all aspects of labor and employment-related litigation, including but not limited to arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Investigations

• Conducts and oversees investigations involving the Commission's anti-discrimination, harassment, and retaliation policies under supervision of Chief Labor and Employment Counsel, including preparing investigation reports and related record keeping.
• Investigates and prepares investigation reports regarding claims of misconduct by employees and other incidents/issues as assigned.
• Directs and coordinates investigations by Bureau staff and ensures compliance with standard investigatory practices, including documentation and filing.

Litigation

• Serves as trial counsel in labor and employment cases before Massachusetts State and Federal courts, administrative agencies, including but not limited to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, public retirement agencies, and at arbitration hearings, if and as assigned by the Chief Labor and Employment Counsel.
• Responsible for serving as trial counsel, preparing pre-trial pleadings, discovery, jury instructions, and post-trial motions and appeals on assigned matters.
• Represents Commission in grievance and arbitration proceedings under Commission collective bargaining agreements as assigned.

Collective Bargaining, Personnel Management, and Employee Relations

• Assists the Chief Labor and Employment Counsel with the preparation for, and conduct of, collective bargaining.
• Serves as a management representative at collective bargaining sessions and labor-management meetings as directed.
• Represents the Commission in grievance and arbitration proceedings under collective bargaining agreements as assigned.
• Advises management on employee relations, personnel, and compliance with labor and employment laws.
• Researches, develops, and drafts employee policies and procedures.
• Researches and drafts memoranda and other documents regarding legal issues relating to the Commission's employee and labor relations.
• Assists in development and delivery of employee trainings as directed.
• Conducts, provides management support, and/or presents at hearings pursuant to the Commission's Standard Hearing Procedure and such other hearings as assigned.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Works in a confidential capacity with the Chief Labor and Employment Counsel, meets regularly with Chief Labor and Employment Counsel regarding all aspects of department operations, including but not limited to matters pertaining to department staff and other confidential matters.
• Works independently and uses independent judgment and discretion to make decisions affecting the department and staff as it relates to department operations/services and BPHC policy.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires you to submit a cover letter. Please submit one along with your application and resume.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must be a member in good standing with the Massachusetts bar.
• Prior experience as trial counsel in Massachusetts and/or Federal courts required.
• Minimum of four years prior experience representing clients in general civil litigation, preferably including labor and employment litigation, required.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills required.
• Applicants must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and with direct supervision.
• General word processing skills required, Microsoft Word preferred.
• Westlaw and Internet experience required.
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal skills required.
• Ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned.