Counsel I

Agency Overview

The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management. Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused, and transparent.

Bureau Overview

The Litigation Bureau represents the Commissioner in tax-related litigation matters before the Appellate Tax Board and various state and federal courts, including the United States Bankruptcy Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court (under the appointment of the Department’s General Counsel as a Special Assistant Attorney General). Our mission is to provide the highest quality legal representation to the Department and to ensure the tax laws are enforced in a vigorous, fair and even-handed manner. We are committed to excellence in our field and our team is comprised of dynamic and highly motivated individuals.

Position Summary

The Department seeks a Counsel I for its Litigation Bureau. This is a junior level trial attorney position. The incumbent will represent the Department in proceedings before the Appellate Tax Board and various courts both as lead counsel in low to moderate dollar value cases, and as second seat with more senior tax attorneys in multimillion dollar tax litigation. The Bureau works in a hybrid model (part remote and part in-office in Boston).

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Handle Appellate Tax Board (“ATB”) cases in which the dollar value of an individual case does not exceed a defined dollar value, as well as cases of similar value in state and federal (mainly bankruptcy) courts.

• Negotiate with opposing parties when appropriate, to reach resolution based on relative merits of case and hazards of litigation.

• With regular supervision, argue motions and litigate cases that cannot be settled or otherwise resolved.

• Provide functional direction, guidance, instruction, and delegation of tasks to interns, support staff, or other personnel; and participate in the training and mentoring of new employees.

• Obtain information needed to represent the agency in litigation matters by conducting research and analysis of the applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, and by reviewing cases, files, case history, and evidence submitted by opposing parties to understand the facts and issues and to determine the best course of action.

• Assist other Litigation Bureau attorneys with their respective cases; may participate in major ATB appeals with senior staff attorneys (Tax Counsels and Counsel IIs) on their assigned cases.

• Assist other Divisions within the Department when they seek certain legal advice or action including, but not limited to: seizure referrals; license revocations; contract actions; and opposition and/or cooperation with regard to certain subpoenas and summonses. Participate in drafting new or amended policies related to these functions to ensure compliance with laws.

• As assigned, collaborate with other agencies or stakeholders to share information, resolve issues or work on cross-functional initiatives to meet shared goals.

Preferred Qualifications

· Interest in litigation and working in a fast-paced but collegial environment.

· Strong research, writing and analytical skills.

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

· The ability to prioritize, adapt and respond to a wide range of legal inquiries and assignments.

· Demonstrated commitment to integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.

· Willingness to learn new skills and practice areas.

As part of the Future of Work Initiative, the agency is adopting a hybrid work model. Hybrid work is a mix of in-office work and telework. This position will work remotely some days and in-person on other days.

An external candidate recommended for a position with the Department of Revenue will be subject to a background check that includes checks for: state and federal tax compliance; child support compliance; education verification; Massachusetts CORI checks; criminal background checks in state(s) of current and previous residence/employment; validation of eligibility to work in the United States; and national fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

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.