Committee Legal Counsel - Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism

Agency Overview: 

The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

Position Overview:

This Committee Legal Counsel (“Legal Counsel”) will support the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism (“Special Commission”), which was established by Session Law (Acts 2024) Ch. 140, until the completion of the Special Commission’s final report. When the Special Commission’s final report is submitted, the Legal Counsel will be assigned by the House to work on a House or Joint Committee to support the work of the House.

Legal Counsel will provide legal advice, research, and policy analysis to the Chair of the Special Commission/Committee on a wide range of policy and legislative issues that are relevant to the charge of the Special Commission/Committee. A non-exhaustive list of roles and responsibilities is included further below.

Reports to:

Reports to the Chair, and/or, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 

·       Draft final report and recommendations to be adopted by the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism pursuant to the commission’s statutory charge.

·       Provide legal research, analysis, and counsel to the Chair of the Special Commission/Committee;

·       Advise Special Commission/Committee staff regarding procedures and statutes that bear on matters before the Special Commission/Committee;

·       Assist the Special Commission/Committee staff with planning and organizing Special Commission/Committee meeting/hearings, including preparing hearing notices, legal briefs and materials for the Chair and Commissioners/Members;

·       Meet with government officials and other stakeholders and constituency groups regarding matters before the Special Commission/Committee;

·       Respond to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives and constituency groups regarding Special Commission/Committee business;

·       Attend hearings, events and meetings on behalf of the Chair;

·       Prepare briefing materials for the Chair and create reference materials on topical issues;

·       Draft talking points and other speaking materials for the Chair;

·       Maintain files and archives of Commission/Committee materials; and

·       Utilize research data bases.

Required Skills/Attributes:

·       Ability to work with different communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;

·       Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;

·       Excellent research and analytical skills, including legal and non-legal subject matter;

·       Excellent writing and communication skills;

·       Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;

·       Ability to use legal databases, in addition to standard office equipment and technology;

·       Ability to follow-up and complete tasks; and

·       Ability to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Education/Experience Qualifications:

·       J. D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing are required.

·       Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, minimum of 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work to support the Special Commission/Committee’s legislative or constituent activities.

To Apply: 

•  Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript as a single PDF file to [email protected]
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The House of Representatives is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.