Job Description
DIVISION OVERVIEW
The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that hears and resolves appeals of decisions made by Massachusetts state agencies and municipalities. DALA has two divisions: the General Jurisdiction Unit and the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, which conducts mediations, hearings and facilitated meetings concerning special education services and procedural rights under state and federal law. This position is for the General Jurisdiction Unit.
DALA plays a key role in government, providing a neutral forum for the fair, equitable and independent resolution of disputes involving state agencies. Fundamental to DALA's mission is upholding the due process rights of everyone who comes before the agency and ensuring that every person and organization that appears before DALA has full, equitable and easy access to the hearing process.
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Medford, MA delivered to your inbox every week.
GENERAL JURISDICTION UNIT: DIVISION OVERVIEW
DALA's General Jurisdiction Unit (GJU) receives between 450 and 650 appeals each year across approximately 20 state agencies, including cases concerning public pensions, wage and hour laws, professional licenses and professional discipline. The GJU typically resolves these matters by issuing a written decision, either based on the parties' written submissions or following a de novo hearing.
The cases we hear directly affect people's lives - for example, determining whether someone is entitled to a public pension, can retain their medical license or is allowed to open a home daycare. Additionally, our decisions affect state agencies, municipalities and the public by establishing legal expectations, guiding agency policies and impacting future actions. The agency's written decisions are generally publicly available and serve as an important source of guidance for the public and other agencies. As such, they must be well-reasoned, carefully analyzed and clearly written.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Key Responsibilities include the following:
- Carrying a full caseload of administrative appeals.
- Ensuring the fair and respectful treatment of all parties throughout the appeals process.
- Managing assigned appeals, including ruling on preliminary motions, holding pre-hearing conferences and conducting evidentiary hearings.
- Drafting clear, timely and well-reasoned decisions based on an analysis of the law and the facts of the case.
- Exercising judgment, independence and problem-solving in case handling and decision writing.
- Researching and analyzing complex legal questions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The successful candidate will have:
- Legal Expertise: Trial experience in administrative hearings or in court. Five years of experience in the practice of law in a position requiring independent judgment and case management preferred.
- Judicial and Analytical Skills: Judicial demeanor; experience in legal research, evidence evaluation and legal brief writing. Ability to work independently with minimal administrative support.
- Legal Writing Skills: Superior writing skills, with the ability to produce polished work requiring minimal editing. Openness to constructive input and willingness to incorporate feedback from peers and supervisors.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build effective and responsive interpersonal relationships with team members, colleagues, managers and external stakeholders by demonstrating integrity, collaboration and respect.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, effective listening techniques and the capacity to build bridges with others to achieve shared goals.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
We value diversity; fluency in multiple languages is a bonus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
As part of the Future of Work Initiative, the agency has adopted a hybrid work model. Hybrid work is a mix of in-office work and telework. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Application Materials Required:
- A resume
- A cover letter
- A writing sample (must be a substantive legal brief or memorandum of law prepared independently by the candidate)
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
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.