POSITION SUMMARY:

Staff attorneys work on a variety of legal assignments for the Justices of the Appeals Court. Principal assignments include assisting in the writing and editing of outgoing decisions, screening incoming civil and criminal cases, and preparation of legal memoranda on selected civil and criminal cases. Domestic relations experience is required, however staff attorneys may work in additional areas.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Justice or his or her designee.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Assists in drafting opinions and dispositive orders

Edits outgoing opinions and dispositive orders

Screens incoming briefs and records in civil or criminal cases

Prepares legal memoranda on selected civil or criminal cases

Performs specific legal and consultative work assigned by the Justices

Thorough knowledge of domestic relations law, including statutes, guidelines, case law, terminology, and rules of procedure required

Working knowledge of probate law is preferred

Ability to assist in drafting and editing legal documents pursuant to technical and substantive guidelines

Working knowledge of appellate court jurisdiction and procedure

Working knowledge of major areas of civil or criminal law

Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts and precedents

Ability to organize research materials and to work independently without direct supervision

Ability to meet deadlines

Ability to communicate clearly and precisely both verbally and in writing

Ability to work well with others, including judges, law clerks and staff

Superior research and writing skills

Previous writing and editing experience in the field of domestic relations preferred

Performs other related work as required

JOB COMPETENCIES:

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Appeals Court.

Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Appeals Court missions.

Applied Knowledge: Understanding of legal research, preparing legal memoranda and other documents, contributing to the development and implementation of court rules and policies.

Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action.

Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve himself or herself through professional development.

Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Customer Service: Fosters a departmental environment emphasizing conduct that is courteous and professional toward both Appeals Court employees and the public.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation from an accredited law school

Membership in the Massachusetts bar

Minimum of one year of legal experience in the field of domestic relations after law school graduation

Staff attorneys are not permitted to engage in the practice of law.

By statute, employees of the Massachusetts courts must be Massachusetts residents.

Domestic Relations experience required.

OTHER:

If you are not currently viewing this posting online, please visit the Trial Court website at www.mass.gov/courts to apply for this position or any other Trial Court

employment opportunity.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PLEASE NOTE:

Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.