Assistant Deputy Court Administrator-Legal Counsel-Land Court - Massachusetts Trial Court
Boston, MA
About the Job
Title: Assistant Deputy Court Administrator-Legal Counsel-Land Court
Pay Grade: Senior Management 2
Starting Pay: $115,943.04-$171,381.87/Yr.
Departmental Mission Statement: The Land Court’s mission is to provide an accessible forum where specialized expertise is applied to resolve disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property throughout the Commonwealth. The judges and staff are committed to serving the public and the real estate and trial bars in a respectful, efficient manner by issuing decisions that are equitable and legally well-reasoned, and by providing readily available, reliable guidance to property owners and registries of deeds regarding registered land transactions.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/land-court
Notes: This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
Starting salary determination is based on applicant experience.
The posting requires applicants to submit a cover letter and resume.
This position is located at:
3 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Position Summary: The Assistant Deputy Court Administrator/Legal Counsel provides specialized administrative oversight and legal support to the Land Court Department. They assist the Chief Justice and the Deputy Court Administrator on legal matters, research legal questions, write memoranda, develop procedures and rules, analyze legal and administrative issues, draft regulations and proposed legislation, track pending legislation, develop and implement uniform case processing practices and programs related to effective case management and Trial Court best practices, and supervise the legal staff of the Administrative Office of the Land Court Department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
The Assistant Deputy Court Administrator-Legal Counsel receives general direction from the Chief Justice and the Deputy Court Administrator of the Land Court Department.
Duties: The position of Assistant Deputy Court Administrator-Legal Counsel provides specialized administrative oversight and legal support to the Administrative Office of the Land Court (AOLC) and the Land Court Department. The role requires considerable independent judgment in making important decisions, sometimes with limited procedural and policy guidelines.
Provides legal counsel to the Chief Justice and the Deputy Court Administrator;
Supervises the legal staff of the Administrative Office of the Land Court;
Interprets and applies court rules, standing orders, statutes, directives and policies related to matters within the Land Court;
Makes recommendations as to policy and procedure on all Land Court related matters, including technical issues related to the electronic case management system;
Works with Land Court personnel in the development of modifications to the electronic case management system that will support the effective integration of rules, uniform practices and procedures, statutes and case law;
Prepares abstracts, memoranda, and administrative reports; draft rules, uniform practices, and proposed legislation; develops guidelines and procedures for the Land Court Department;
Leads tracking and analysis of legislation affecting the Land Court;
Provides legal advice to judges and other court personnel on all law-related matters in the Land Court and conducts special research projects as needed;
Responds to inquiries and requests from judges, the public, attorneys, court employees, and others concerning legal aspects of the Land Court;
Responds to requests for information from the media, legislature, judges, the Recorder, Chief Title Examiner, Chief Surveyor, and other agency personnel;
Serves as the liaison between the Land Court Department and state agencies and community resources dealing with matters within the jurisdiction of the Land Court; and
Performs other related duties as required.
Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to prove effectiveness in the following areas:
Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Land Court missions.
Applied Knowledge: Demonstrated experience using knowledge of court rules and law as they pertain to the Land Court Department.
Problem Solving: Accurately identifies legal and operational issues regarding administration in the Land Court Department and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions. Accurately assesses a variety of problems in the Land Court and develops feasible solutions.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.
Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Assistant Deputy Court Administrator/General Counsel:
Law Degree from an accredited Law School and admission to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
Seven years of legal experience with particular emphasis on matters within the jurisdiction of the Land Court Department, with court management experience preferred or equivalent experience.
Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system and applicable statutes, case law, court rules and procedures relating to the Land Court;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, judges, employees and government agencies employees;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrated ability to independently complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments; and
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and to develop feasible solutions.