Assistant General Counsel - Litigation Counselor - Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Represents department in litigation, researches legal issues and prepares memoranda on pertinent legal topics as assigned by the General Counsel; performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direction of the General Counsel. In the absence of the General Counsel, works under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides guidance and assistance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel's Office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Represents the Sheriff, the Department and departmental employees in litigation filed in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies;
2. Responsible for all aspects of case management, from the commencement of the action through the appellate process, on cases assigned by the General Counsel;
3. Acts as a special hearing officer on discipline proceedings and fact finding hearings as appointed by the General Counsel;
4. Represents the Department in various labor relation, negotiations and arbitration proceedings;
5. Reviews correspondence from opposing counsel and responds appropriately;
6. Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of contract documents;
7. Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of departmental policies;
8. Researches and drafts legal memoranda regarding legal issues relating to the Department;
9. Investigates and reports on incidents/issues as assigned by the General Counsel;
10. Responds to public record requests and civil subpoenas sent to the Department;
11. Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned; and
12. Performs such additional duties as the Sheriff or designee may assign from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts and Federal Court systems;
2. Familiarity with the criminal justice system;
3. Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written form;
4. Working knowledge of and skill at interviewing techniques;
5. Ability to present effective oral arguments;
6. Ability to perform legal research and prepare memos and briefs;
7. Experience in civil litigation;
8. Admission to the Massachusetts and Federal Bar;
9. Thorough knowledge of Department policies and procedures is preferred;
10. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

1. Represent the Department in assigned legal matters;
2. Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda and briefs;
3. Effectively prepare and present assigned cases, prepare witnesses, cross-examine opposing parties, and present oral arguments;
4. Conduct necessary depositions;
5. Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace, courthouse, and at scheduled meetings;
6. Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;
7. Knowledge of, and compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines;
8. Maintain good standing in Massachusetts and Federal bar;
9. Compliance with security procedures;
10. Obey moderately complex oral and written orders;
11. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
12. Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
13. Deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and
14. Exercise good judgment.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
2. Appear and perform in courtroom;
3. Lift up to 25 pounds;
4. Carry up to 25 pounds;
5. Climb stairs occasionally;
6. Walk short distances;
7. Use a personal computer and e-mail; and
8. Write and type.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

Participation in mandatory training.