Closing Date: 24th May, 2024

Description:

About the Office of A Massachusetts State Agency
Since its creation as the nation's first state-level inspector general's office, the Massachusetts OIG has been at the forefront of promoting effective government and the responsible use of public money and property. The OIG is an independent agency charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse in the use of public funds and public property. By statute, the Inspector General (IG) has broad authority to oversee the use of state, local and federal funds by state and local governments, as well as by those who receive government funds or use public property. This includes state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, as well as individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations that do business with the government.

The Office is led by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth, who is appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and Auditor "...solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation or criminal justice administration." M.G.L. c. 12A, 2.

The OIG is organized into three bureaus: Specialty & General Government, Legal & Compliance and Operations, Training & Publications. Each bureau contains divisions that focus on specific agencies, issues or functions. Together the bureaus work to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse of public resources in the Commonwealth. Additional information about the office may be found at Welcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov.

The OIG enabling statute is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 12A). Further details may be found at Chapter 12A (malegislature.gov).

The Legal & Compliance Bureau
The Legal & Compliance Bureau is managed by the General Counsel. This bureau consists of three divisions: The Office of the General Counsel; Audit, Oversight and Investigations; and Government Outreach and Public Policy. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal support across the office related to human resources, procurements, compliance, litigation and investigations. The Audit, Oversight and Investigation Division investigates possible fraud, waste and abuse of public resources across state and local government. The Government Outreach and Public Policy Division oversees the OIG's government outreach, municipal engagement, and policy and legislative initiatives and is responsible for legislative mandates such as the review of land dispositions.

The Office of the General Counsel
The Office of the General Counsel serves as in-house counsel to the Office. The Legal Team provides essential legal advice and support to the Office on external and internal matters. The Legal Team supports investigative divisions when legal issues arise during an investigation, audit or review by assisting with formal interviews; analyzing evidence; conduction legal research; enforcing summons; and liaising with state, municipal and private entities. In addition, the Legal Team manages legal strategy in all Office litigation and attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel represent the Office in state and federal court. The Legal Team attorneys draft and review legislation and provide guidance on state and local procurement matters.

The Office of the General Counsel also plays a key internal support role. The Legal Team provides legal guidance and support to the Office on human resources and fiscal related matters. The Office of the General Counsel has responsibilities related to compliance and internal controls within the Office including onboarding new employees, developing and updating policies and procedures, and regularly providing in-house training on topics such as confidentiality, ethics and conflicts of interest.

Associate General Counsel: Position Overview

The attorney to be hired will be an Associate General Counsel to provide in-house counsel to the Office. The attorney will work with and advise senior leadership, supervisors, and staff concerning legal aspects of, and the interpretation, applicability, and compliance with state and federal statutes, regulations, and constitutional law. The attorney will work closely with all divisions within the Office of the Inspector General and will collaborate with external agencies as necessary.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provide guidance and legal advice on personnel, compliance, fiscal and employment related issues.
Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on a wide range of criminal, civil and statutory issues.
Draft motions and appear in court on behalf of the Office.
Assist in criminal and civil investigations, audits and reviews by analyzing documentary evidence and conducting interviews and depositions.
Help research and develop internal policies.
Review, draft and comment on legislation and regulations.
Represent the Office in administrative proceedings.
Provide guidance to local officials, vendors and the public on procurements.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Key Abilities, Skills and Experience:

Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar.
Strong academic credentials.
At least 3 years of legal experience in one or more of the following areas: criminal law and practice, civil litigation, in-house employment law, public contracts or construction or compliance.
Experience as, or comparable to in-house or outside counsel to public agencies, private business or other organizations.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities in different subject matter areas and meet tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Excellent writing, analytical and research skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with agency personnel, opposing counsel and state and local officials.
Ability to conduct trainings and public presentations for large groups.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Abilities, Skills and Experience Include:

Demonstrated courtroom experience, including criminal or civil proceedings and motions practice.
Experience conducting investigations.
Experience taking and defending depositions.
Experience with common e-discovery platforms.
Experience in drafting documents for civil litigation.
Knowledge of state and municipal government, with a focus on governance, procurement, financial procedures or other operations of governmental entities in Massachusetts.