Enforcement Paralegal

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Paralegal, under the direction of the Enforcement Counsel, will support the work of the attorneys in the Investigations and Enforcement department. The Paralegal will support the Enforcement Counsel team by managing legal responsibilities in a variety of areas, including conducting legal research, assessing and responding to legal inquiries, issuing legal notices, determinations, and requests, managing attorney files and records, and otherwise facilitating the provision of quality legal services by Enforcement Counsel staff. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep and manage all records for the Enforcement Counsel team; 

• Assist Associate Enforcement Counsel with legal documents, including but not limited to notices, determinations, affidavits, and requests for documents and/or information. 

• Compile comprehensive case records to support administrative and legal actions initiated by the Enforcement department. 

• Perform quality control review of Enforcement Counsel staff work product; 

• In consultation with Enforcement Counsel, screen referrals for legal assistance, return or redirect requests when appropriate, and obtain supplemental information or documents as needed; 

• Facilitate the provision of legal services by Enforcement Counsel staff;  

• As needed, assist Associate Enforcement Counsel with fact-finding and evidentiary development.  

• Assist the Enforcement Counsel team with coordinating internal and external meetings, assessing and responding to requests for legal assistance, and preparing internal and external correspondence and other materials as needed. 

• Assist Enforcement Counsel with case management and assignments, which may include reviewing and triaging matters; and 

• General administrative duties such as scheduling, note-taking, and attending meetings or conferences. 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the Commission's goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce. 

• Maintain organization of Enforcement Counsel team files in SharePoint and the Commission's case management system and track requests for legal assistance.  

• Track and compile data regarding legal services rendered to support growth, development, and resource allocation; and 

• Perform related duties as assigned.  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion in handling highly sensitive and confidential information; knowledge of how to handle information protected under state and possibly federal laws protecting private and/or confidential information; ability to exercise sound judgment; 

• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail; 

• Strong executive functioning, strategic, and critical thinking ability; 

• Organized self-starter and effective collaborator, showing a strong interest in systems and process improvement. 

• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis. 

• Demonstrated ability to assess group dynamics, establish processes or internal quality controls, and facilitate problem-solving and critical thinking within a structured setting toward completing projects and assignments. 

• Strong communication skills with the ability to tailor information to and establish rapport with various audiences. 

• Ability to work on multiple assignments; exercise good judgment in decision-making; meet deadlines; work independently; and be intellectually flexible. 

• Sincere curiosity and interest in learning and developing new skills. 

• Adept at presenting information in an accurate and concise format; 

• Ability to remain calm under pressure. 

• Commitment to Commission's mission, standards, and goals; and 

• Ability to work in and travel to the Commission's offices in Worcester.   

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree required and Paralegal Certificate required or completion of the certificate within one year from the employee's start date.  The cost to obtain the Paralegal Certificate is the employee's responsibility. 

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience as a Paralegal in a law firm, corporation, or government agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Experience with administrative and regulatory law. 

• Proficiency in tracking legal cases and projects in a case management system 

• Experience in handling highly sensitive and confidential information.  

• Experience working with investigatory matters preferred; 

• Education or experience in data analysis and/or information technology preferred; and 

• Experience using Microsoft Office and experience with project management tools/systems. 

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Benefits Package:

The Commission is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.  The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables.  Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.

This position is non-civil service.  This position is an exempt position.

The overall benefits available include: paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance, and optional pre-tax Health Savings Account plans.

In addition, the Commission provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.

The Commission employees also participate in the Commonwealth's State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service.  Follow this link for additional retirement information: http://www.mass.gov/treasury/retirement/state-board-of-retire/.

Commitment to Diversity:

The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

Notice of Required Background Check - Including Tax Compliance:

The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such background check is not initiated until:

1. A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview, and
2. The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases.

This background check includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Federal IRS and Department of Revenue state tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified.  Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualification check.

Those candidates invited to interview will be contacted by the Commission.  Unfortunately, due to the anticipated high volume of applicants for this vacancy, we are unable to provide status updates to specific individuals.