Overview In this role you provide legal counsel to DCF, representing the agency in Juvenile and Probate Court matters such as custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship, and adoption. You will draft petitions, memoranda, and court documents, advise clinical staff on legal procedures, and train staff on relevant laws and processes. The position supports safeguarding children and promoting permanency by applying laws to court cases and agency policy. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence outcomes and ensure compliant, effective legal advocacy.
Compensation / Benefits- comprehensive benefits package
- employee benefits and rewards
Responsibilities- Litigate and prepare court documents for custody, termination of parental rights, and guardianship cases
- Advise clinical staff on legal procedures and requirements for court-involved cases
- Prepare petitions, affidavits, memoranda, discovery motions, and findings of fact
- Prepare appellate briefs and contribute to agency enforcement of laws
- Provide training to agency staff on legal issues, litigation processes, and regulatory updates
- Assist in preparing opinions and regulations related to agency administration
Key requirements- Juris Doctor (JD) degree
- admission to the Massachusetts Bar
- experience in legal research and legal writing
- courtroom litigation experience or exposure
- membership in the Massachusetts Bar Association
- ability to manage multiple court-involved matters and meet deadlines
- driver's license (class level as assignment may require)
- service-minded
- strong communication
- collaborative
- legal research
- legal writing
- litigation in Juvenile/Probate Court
