Job Description
About the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General ("Treasury")
Our mission is to manage and safeguard the State's public deposits and investments through sound business practices for the exclusive benefits of our citizens, and perform these duties with integrity, excellence, and leadership. Additionally, we strive to provide economic opportunity, stability, and security for every Massachusetts resident.
We are committed to excellence in recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse and qualified individuals. We value the culture of diversity and professionalism in the workplace, and strongly believe that our workforce should reflect our community.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FM68GFV
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Office Location: 1 Winter St, Boston, MA 02108
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Massachusetts State Retirement Board ("MSRB") is department within the Office of the State Treasurer which administers a defined benefit retirement plan, the Massachusetts State Employees Retirement System ("MSERS"), for eligible employees of the Commonwealth and certain independent entities. Established in 1911, the MSRB supports more than 87,000 active members and more than 69,000 retirees & beneficiaries. The MSRB annually issues more than $2.8b in benefits.
The MSRB Legal Unit is responsible for providing legal counsel in a high-volume work setting to the Board and staff, on all matters relative to the proper administration of the MSERS as governed by M.G.L. c. 32 and applicable federal requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Represent the MSRB in judicial and administrative forums relative to all legal matters, including member appeals from MSRB decisions and Board-initiated matters before appointed Hearing Officers.
- Advise Executive Director and staff relative to the interpretation and implementation of G.L. c. 32, related administrative regulations, administrative or judicial decisions, and contract issues.
- Develop an expertise regarding the provisions of G.L. c. 32 and administrative regulations. Develop a working familiarity with the statutes, regulations, and case law affecting public employees, including M.G.L. c. 66 (Public Records), M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25 (Open Meetings), and M.G.L. c. 268A (Conduct of Public Officials).
- Participate in the preparation for and present matters during monthly MSRB Board meetings, including accidental and ordinary disability retirement applications, group classification applications, beneficiary determinations, forfeiture matters, and legal updates.
- Participate in the preparation of member requests and applications, and compilation of supporting materials, for review during monthly MSRB Board meeting.
- Review proposed worker's compensation lump sum agreements, domestic relations orders, and employment settlement agreements from Commonwealth agencies which may impact the calculation of retirement benefits.
- Participate in enforcement and adjudicatory efforts in connection with post-retirement earnings limits and disability retirees' excess earnings cases pursuant to G.L. c. 32, § 91A and benefit forfeitures due to criminal convictions pursuant to G.L. c. 32,§ 15.
- Monitor and analyze new and proposed federal and state legislation and regulations and their impact on the administration of G.L. c. 32. Advise staff on legislative and regulatory developments on a timely basis.
- Monitor and analyze judicial and administrative decisions issued in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions that may affect the Board, its policies, or administration of the system. Advise staff and the MSRB on judicial and administrative law decisions on a timely basis.
- Occasional travel to hearing locations, primarily before the Division of Administrative Law Appeals in Malden, MA.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- As necessary, provide legal counsel to the MSRB Board members on matters relevant to their duties and obligations as fiduciaries of the MSERS, including the Open Meeting and Public Records Laws.
- Collaborate with the Attorney General's office on any litigation in which the MSRB or any staff member is a party.
- Assist in drafting legislation in accordance with the legislative priorities established by the MSRB. Participate in the development and promulgation of agency policy, regulations, and interpretative materials.
- Collaborate with staff on matters and special projects related to the MSRB's operations and functions.
- As necessary, participate in responding to public records request and subpoenas.
- Perform other legal tasks as requested.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Paralegals and legal interns as needed.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Education: J.D. from accredited law school.
- License/certification: Massachusetts bar certification and good standing with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.
- Experience: At least three years' experience in law firm and/or governmental agency. Experience in Massachusetts public employee benefits law strongly preferred. Administrative hearing and litigation experience under M.G.L. c. 30A, including matters under M.G.L. c. 32, also preferred. Familiarity with trusts and estate law, family law, personal injury, medical malpractice, and/or insurance defense will be useful.
- Abilities/skills: Adept oral advocate and strong oral presentation skills. Able to convey complicated issues in a readily understandable, professional, and (as necessary) compassionate manner. Excellent research skills, including facility with Westlaw and other online research tools; adept with various office technologies, including Microsoft Office suite of products and video technologies. Strong attention to detail, organized, and adept at prioritizing and reprioritizing tasks; ready team player with a growth mind set; self-directed and self-motivated; able to work independently, with limited administrative support.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 10lbs
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time
Hybrid Work Environment:
All new hires at the Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General (Treasury) will go through an In-Office Orientation Period consisting of a combination of virtual, in-person and on-the-job training so as to assimilate you to the Treasury's culture and work environment. Following the initial In-Office Orientation Period a gradual transition to hybrid work will take place over the first 3-8 weeks of employment.
The hybrid work environment will consist of a minimum of two (2) days in the office each week, with one of these days being either a Monday or a Friday. Hybrid work arrangement is based on business needs of the department. There will be an additional (1) day in the office per month for a mandatory in person department meeting.