Staff Counsel

Job Title: Staff Counsel

Division: Legal Services

Reports to title: General Counsel

Designation: MATA

Provides legal services and assistance to the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and its 400+ local affiliates to protect and advance the rights of 117,000+ preK-12 and higher ed educator members across the Commonwealth. Actively supports MTA’s programs, policies, and initiatives to strengthen the union’s power through member engagement and organizing.

• Represent the MTA, local affiliates and members on labor and employment matters and contract enforcement in public education at multiple venues, including at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and state and federal courts.

• Provide written and verbal legal advice internally and to local affiliates and members on a variety of issues in preK-12 and higher education law, public sector labor law including labor relations and collective bargaining, and employment laws related but not limited to: unemployment insurance; workers compensation; wage and hour; discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower protections; leaves of absence; health and retirement benefits.

• Engage in legal research and writing of varying degrees of complexity.

• Review and comment on legislation impacting the MTA and its members.

• Conduct legal workshops and seminars externally and internally, in-person and virtually.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong and demonstrated commitment to the labor movement, workers’ rights, and public education.

• Understanding of and dedication to a vision of a labor movement that advances racial and social justice and an agenda promoting the common good.

• At least four (4) years of experience in the practice of one or more of the following: public or private sector labor law; state and federal employment laws; public sector preK-12 and higher education laws; and federal and state constitutional laws affecting public employees.

• Experience in issues specific to educators in public education, such as: Title IX; academic freedom and free speech rights; school and campus privatization; education reform; union organizing and concerted activity inside and outside of the classroom, etc., is desired

• Strong research, litigation, and analytical skills.

• Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills in oral advocacy, negotiations, mediation, training, client communication, legal briefs and memos.

• Ability to build consensus among various parties, including those with divergent and competing interests.

• Ability to handle multiple assignments in a high case volume environment and to work creatively and efficiently, independently and as part of a team.

• Proficient computer skills on programs such as: MS Office; case management software; research software (Westlaw).

• Willingness to travel; car and license or other form of personal transportation required.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Juris Doctorate degree and admission to practice law in Massachusetts. Must practice law exclusively on behalf of the MTA.

MTA offers a generous employee benefits package and paid time off as well as a competitive salary range for this bargaining unit position starting at $117,458 to $179,210. Placement in the pay range is determined by direct and relevant years of experience.

*MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion*

The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.