Associate General Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is accepting applications for Associate General Counsel to join its Legal Division.  This role offers the opportunity to provide strategic counsel and representation in a diverse portfolio of matters, including civil commitment proceedings, guardianship cases, administrative appeals, employment and labor matters, special education hearings, and complex litigation support. Working closely with senior legal leadership, the Associate General Counsel will play an essential role in helping the Department navigate challenging legal issues while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.

This position is ideal for an attorney who thrives in a dynamic public service environment and enjoys balancing litigation, legal advising, policy development, and interagency collaboration. The role offers meaningful courtroom experience, opportunities to influence agency-wide decision-making, and direct engagement with senior leaders, healthcare professionals, and external stakeholders. Candidates who are passionate about public service, behavioral health, and advancing equitable outcomes through the law will find this to be a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities throughout Massachusetts.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

       Provide legal counsel and representation to the Department in administrative, civil, and appellate matters, including civil commitment proceedings, guardianship cases, service authorization appeals, and special education hearings.

       Manage and support litigation activities by coordinating discovery, pleadings, litigation holds, tort claims, and case preparation while serving as a liaison with the Attorney General's Office.

       Represent the Department in employment and labor-related administrative actions before state and federal agencies and assist in the development of legally sound workplace policies and practices.

       Conduct legal research, analyze complex statutory and regulatory issues, and prepare legal memoranda, opinions, motions, briefs, and other legal documents to support agency operations and decision-making.

       Assist with appellate advocacy, including drafting briefs, motions, and appendices, and participating in oral arguments before appellate courts.

       Collaborate with senior leadership and legal staff to develop litigation strategies, assess legal risks, and provide guidance on operational, policy, and compliance matters.

       Track and manage a diverse portfolio of legal matters, maintaining accurate records and providing regular status updates on ongoing cases, investigations, and hearings.

       Provide courtroom representation and legal support in commitment, substituted judgment, guardianship, and related proceedings, including witness preparation, trial preparation, and advocacy.

       Advise Department staff on legal requirements, regulatory compliance, and emerging legal issues to support informed decision-making and effective program administration.

       Contribute to the development and review of legislation, regulations, policies, and agency guidance to ensure compliance with legal mandates and advance the Department's mission.

Required Qualifications:

       Knowledge of legal principles, practices, procedures, and courtroom processes, including administrative and civil proceedings.

       Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and prepare clear, persuasive legal documents, reports, and opinions.

       Strong understanding of statutory, regulatory, and case law interpretation, with the ability to apply legal principles to organizational operations and policy decisions.

       Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

       Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and provide practical legal guidance in sensitive or high-stakes situations.

       Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish productive working relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and diverse populations.

       Proficiency in legal technology and computer applications used for legal research, case management, document preparation, and information tracking.

       Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and effectively oversee a varied caseload in a fast-paced environment.

       Knowledge of, or ability to quickly develop expertise in, Department of Mental Health operations, agency law, and the legal and regulatory framework governing behavioral health services.

Preferred Qualifications:

       Experience representing government agencies, healthcare organizations, or public-sector entities in administrative, civil, or appellate matters.

       Demonstrated knowledge of Massachusetts mental health law, civil commitment proceedings, guardianship matters, and substituted judgment cases.

       Experience handling employment and labor law matters, including investigations, discrimination claims, collective bargaining issues, and administrative hearings.

       Familiarity with state and federal laws governing behavioral health services, healthcare operations, privacy, and regulatory compliance.

       Experience working with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, courts, regulatory agencies, or quasi-judicial bodies.

       Proven ability to manage a diverse caseload involving litigation, legal advisement, policy development, and risk management.

       Experience drafting and reviewing legislation, regulations, policies, contracts, or other legal and regulatory documents.

       Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive legal matters.

       Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal guidance to senior leadership and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

       Commitment to public service and advancing equitable outcomes for individuals receiving behavioral health and human services supports.

.     Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. 4

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.