Counsel - City of Boston

Under the direction of the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or designee, undertakes a variety of legal activities in support of the business of the Planning Department, which also supports the activities of the Boston Planning and Development Agency. 

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

• Draft agreements, including Boston Zoning Code Article 80 documents, affordable housing agreements, contracts, notes, and other legal instruments involving the Planning Department and/or BPDA's interests or activities; negotiate final form documents and conduct closings; submit documents to supervisor for review; incorporate necessary additions and changes. Oversee preparation, proofreading, and production of final documents and closings.
• Provide legal counsel and research on title and conveyance and land use issues, conduct real estate closing transactions, and undertake a variety of legal matters, perform legal research, draft documents and opinions, and conduct or assist with limited civil litigation.
• Work with a team from other Planning Department divisions to ensure all procurement processes are set up in accordance with applicable law. Review Request for Proposals for real estate disposition and services, as well as contracts for goods and services, to determine appropriate procurement methodology. Provide legal advice on agency procurement and contract policies and processes.
• Conduct legal research and write legal memoranda on a variety of agency issues, including but not limited to real estate sales, lease agreements, affordable housing, loans, mortgages, zoning matters, and other land use matters. Interpret and apply regulations, statutes, and other city, state, and federal requirements and guidelines. Prepare verbal and written legal memos on selected issues.
• May assist in the development and preparation of opinions on more complex matters. Assist in negotiations on behalf of the Planning Department and/or BPDA. Maintain familiarity with applicable laws and provide legal advice on selected projects or issues to the Planning Department and BPDA staff members. Interpret and apply regulations, statutes, and other city, state, and federal requirements and guidelines. 
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Work requires completion of a J.D., and admission to the Massachusetts Bar, approximately one to three plus (1-3+) years of progressively responsible related legal experience.  
• Experience in real estate development and permitting, real estate closings, title and conveyance, and/or municipal government is helpful but not required.
• Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Experience in writing legal briefs, completing legal research, and arguing orally in front of an adjudicator.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Highly motivated self-starter.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a dynamic team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/($100,000 - $139,000)

Hours per week: 35