Job Title:
Deputy General Counsel
Company/Organization:
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Location:
Quincy, MA
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Position Description:
The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) is a union, dedicated to improving the workplace and the quality of life for all education employees and to protecting their hard-won rights. Equally important, we are an association of highly qualified professionals, committed to establishing and maintaining optimal conditions for student learning from preschool through graduate school.

The MTA is looking for a Deputy General Counsel who is responsible assisting the General Counsel in carrying out the legal and operational functions of the Division of Legal Services. This position is also responsible for supervising employees and providing guidance & leadership to foster professional growth, as well as a diverse and inclusive work environment. This position is conveniently located in Quincy, MA. All candidates must apply online(https://massteacher.org/about-the-mta/jobs-at-the-mta). MTA is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
I. Campaign and Political Finance Compliance:
– Advise MTA on legal parameters for political contributions/expenditures to candidates, ballot questions, independent expenditures, in-kind contributions, PACs from MTA treasury and other affiliated political committees.
– Provide creative solutions which allow for robust & innovative political engagements by staff and MTA members while maintaining legal compliance.
– Advise on conflict of interest & ethics law regarding public resource and public employee political activity.
– Develop and foster a positive relationship with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF).II. Organization & Corporate Advice:
– Provide governance support to local affiliates regarding bylaw creation, interpretation, officer fiduciary duties, risk assessment, & other operational and legal compliance needs.
– Manage MTA contracts and interpret and advise on vendor agreements for other divisions within the MTA. Advise General Counsel on Legal Division contracts with outside vendors (e.g. Westlaw) and fee agreements with outside counsel.

III. Human Resources & Labor/Employment:
– Provide support to the HR Director on internal employee labor relations matters, as well as assist with federal employment law as needed.
– Provide support to HR as needed, to conduct internal investigations of alleged misconduct by MTA employees.

IV. Management of Legal Division:
– Manage the operations of the Legal Division’s $6.5 million budget including outside counsel bills and all other legal expenditures.
– Advise, collaborate with, and support General Counsel on Legal Division annual budget formation. Run case management reports & analyze case cost data.
– Supervise review of outside counsel legal bills for accuracy & compliance with Legal Division’s SOP, MTA legal services agreement, and NEA policies.

V. Lobby Disclosure and Compliance:
– Interpret requirements of the lobby law to advise internal clients on reportable activity. Advise Government Relations division on lobby law interpretations, as needed.
– Monitor MTA Legal Division staff counsels’ case assignment(s) to monitor for lobbyist registration requirements and for semi-annual lobby disclosure reporting.

VI. Nonprofit Management:
– Advise on creation of nonprofits including drafting articles of organization, bylaws, AG public charity applications, & filing for IRS nonprofit status.
– Advise on permissible activities & limitations of 501(c)(3), (c)(4), & (c)(5).

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:
– Bachelor’s Degree and LLB or J.D. from a nationally accredited institution.
– Admittance to the Massachusetts Bar or ability to waive in.
– A minimum of 5 years’ experience in labor, corporate, or compliance law.
– Previous management experience preferred.
– Ability to foster and promote a diverse and inclusion work environment.
– Knowledge of OCPF regulations/law; nonprofit law, labor law, employment law, and contracts law.
– Ability to work quickly and creatively, to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and to function well both independently and as part of a team.
– Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
– Ability to write clearly and persuasively; strong analytical skills.
– Experience in case research, case and time management.
– Self-motivator.
– Knowledge of legal case management systems a plus.
– Appreciation for and ability to work collegiality in a union friendly environment.
– Willingness to participate in MTA organizing and political action activities as needed.
– Willingness to divest from any other practice of law or employment.
– Willingness to travel, work some nights and weekends, with reliable transportation.
– Strong MS Office skills.
– Flexibility & sense of humor.
Application Deadline
02/28/2019
Application Requirements
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
Who should be contacted for further information on this opportunity?
Samariah Batts-Speller
Email
sbatts-speller@massteacher.org
Title
Sr. Human Resources Buisness Partner
Address
2 Heritage Drive, 9th Floor
Quincy, MA 02171
United States
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Website
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9144e7e-99f8-4221-8018-c879c0a769be&jobId=256367&lang=en_US&source=CC3&ccId=19000101_000001
Phone
(617) 878-8219