Assistant General Counsel - Litigation Counselor at 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.