Deputy General Counsel, State Retirement Board ...

Description:

About the Office of the A Massachusetts State Agency
Our mission is to manage and safeguard the State's public deposits and investments through sound business practices for the exclusive benefits of our citizens, and perform these duties with integrity, excellence, and leadership. Additionally, we strive to provide economic opportunity, stability, and security for every Massachusetts resident.
We are committed to excellence in recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse and qualified individuals. We value the culture of diversity and professionalism in the workplace, and strongly believe that our workforce should reflect our community.
Purpose of the Job
The Massachusetts State Retirement Board (“MSRB”) is a department within the Office of the A Massachusetts State Agency that administers a defined benefit retirement plan, the Massachusetts State Employees Retirement System (“MSERS”), for eligible employees of the Commonwealth and certain independent entities.
The MSRB Legal Unit is responsible for providing legal counsel to the MSRB and staff on matters related to the proper administration of the MSERS as governed by M.G.L. c. 32 and applicable federal laws.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Counsel MSRB staff on the interpretation of M.G.L. c. 32, associated regulations, and controlling case law, as they administer retirement benefits.
• Counsel MSRB staff on the interpretation of federal laws, including the Internal Revenue Code, as they impact the MSERS and, as appropriate, work with outside counsel engaged to provide necessary guidance.
• Proficiency/expertise regarding M.G.L. c. 32, associated regulations, and controlling case law and certain federal laws impacting the MSRB and MSERS.
• Manage the distribution of cases and legal inquiries among Associate Board Counsel and paralegal staff and ensure legal submissions and guidance are of high quality and provided on a timely basis.
• Represent the MSRB in appeals of decisions before hearing officers, the Division of Administrative Law Appeals, the Contributory Retirement Appeal Board, and Massachusetts Courts, including the submission of legal filings, issuing and responding to discovery requests, coordinating with opposing counsel and pro se parties, and effectively presenting coherent oral arguments on the MSRB's behalf. Supervise Associate Board Counsel to represent the MSRB in such appeals.
• Represent the MSRB in enforcement and adjudicatory efforts in connection with post-retirement earning limits, disability retiree excess earnings claims, and benefit forfeitures. Supervise Associate Board Counsel to represent the MSRB in such efforts.
• Collaborate with MSRB Executive Director and senior staff to prepare for monthly MSRB meeting.
• Participate in monthly MSRB meeting, present (or oversee the presentation of) legal recommendations concerning claims by members and beneficiaries, and provide legal guidance on issues as they arise.
• Collaborate with MSRB Executive Director and senior staff to develop and/ promulgate agency policy, regulations, and interpretive materials.
• Assist the MSRB staff and public concerning the legal interpretation and legal requirements of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (“QDRO”), worker's compensation lump sum agreements, and employment settlement agreements pertaining to Commonwealth agencies as they impact retirement benefits.
• Collaborate with Assistant Attorney Generals assigned to matters in which the MSRB or staff are parties.
• Collaborate with Treasury legal staff on matters impacting the MSRB and the Treasury, including procurement and contracting matters and/or high-profile, sensitive matters.
• Monitor and review proposed or new statutes, regulations, and/or case law authority as they impact the administration of benefits under M.G.L. c. 32 and/or the MSRB.
• Assist Treasury legislative and policy staff to analyze or draft legislation impacting M.G.L. c. 32 and/or the MSRB.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the MSRB Legal Unit and Treasury's Record Access Officer to respond to public records requests.
• Oversee the MSRB's response to third party subpoenas.
• Travel to hearing locations within the Commonwealth and to the Springfield MSRB office, as necessary.
• Counsel MSRB staff on issues pertaining to the M.G.L. c. 66 (Public Records Law), M.G.L. c. 30A (Open Meeting Law), associated regulations, and other laws affecting Commonwealth agencies and public bodies.
• Perform other legal tasks as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Associate Board Counsel(s) and MSRB paralegal staff; and
• Disability Benefit Unit

Qualifications:
Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have a minimum of 8-12 years of experience in the practice of law, including matters arising under M.G.L. c. 32.
• Must be a member in good standing of Massachusetts Bar.
• Administrative hearing and litigation experience under M.G.L. c. 30A and practice before Commonwealth Trial and Appeals Courts preferrable, including brief preparation and oral argument. Involvement in matters under M.G.L. c. 32 preferable.
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume environment; excellent written, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with, and willingness to develop, working knowledge of M.G.L. c. 32 and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and empower a diverse Legal Unit.
• Experience working in office environment utilizing electronic document management systems and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and adeptness with on-line research databases, such as Westlaw.

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