Director, Municipal Law Unit -- Boston or Regional Office

Director, Municipal Law Unit

Government Bureau

(Boston or Regional Office)

Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is looking for an experienced, highly motivated, creative attorney to serve as Director of the Attorney General’s Municipal Law Unit (MLU), which is embedded in the AG’s Government Bureau. The Municipal Law Unit handles the statutory duties assigned to the Attorney General relating to the review of town by-laws and municipal charters which require the Attorney General’s approval before taking effect.

Primary Duties: Pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 32 and G.L. c. 43B, § 10(c), before becoming effective, municipal general and zoning by-laws and charters (and their amendments) require the Attorney General's determination that the by-law or amendment is consistent with state law. The Director will supervise the Unit’s attorneys and support staff in the timely fulfillment of those statutory duties. Assistant Attorneys General in the Municipal Law Unit review town by-laws and municipal charters for consistency with state law, and draft decisions explaining the basis for the Attorney General’s approval or disapproval. The Municipal Law Unit regularly provides guidance and information to municipal counsel and officials across the Commonwealth, as well as members of the public and staff at other state agencies, and takes an active role in the training and education of municipal officials regarding by-laws, charters, and other municipal law issues.

Position Requirements: Candidates must have exceptional legal and non-legal research and writing skills; excellent oral communication and advocacy skills adaptable for many audiences; and exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and influencing skills. In addition, candidates must be able to successfully manage attorneys and support staff. Candidates should have the ability to communicate effectively with local and state officials, as well as members of the public and press. Candidates must also be able to handle and supervise a large caseload of by-law and charter reviews. Familiarity with municipal law, constitutional law, and administrative law is required. At least 10 years of relevant municipal law and/or land use legal experience is preferred. Applicants should also have a zealous interest in public service and working in a collaborative public-law environment. The ideal candidate will also have experience creating a supportive work environment with opportunities for meaningful feedback and growth. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful and inclusive work environment. Must be a member of or pending admission to the Massachusetts bar. At least some of the duties of this position will be performed from the AG’s Central Massachusetts Regional Office in Worcester.

Location: The Attorney hired for this position may elect to be based out of the Boston Office or one of the AGO’s Regional Offices located in New Bedford, Springfield, or Worcester. Some of the duties of this position require spending time in the AGO’s Worcester Regional Office.

Position Type: Full-Time/Exempt. Our current hybrid model includes some remote workdays for most positions.

Salary: $118,503

Application Process: To apply for this position, visit the AGO website’s jobs portal at www.mass.gov/ago/employment to register and create a profile, upload your cover letter and resume, and submit an application. Candidates may only apply directly using the AGO’s online Employment and Recruitment jobs portal. The application deadline for this posting is September 9, 2024.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact the Human Resources Division at (617) 963-2041.

Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to:

Sherrie Costa, Managing Administrative Assistant

Government Bureau

(617) 963-2071

The Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  As the representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the Attorney General’s Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.