Legal Counsel

About the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security: The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth. 

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the General Counsel, this position provides legal advice and support to the Executive Staff, including the Secretary, Undersecretaries, Chief of Staff, Communications department, and the Legislative Director on a variety of public safety issues, including but not limited to law enforcement, criminal justice, and homeland security issues. The legal team in the Office of the General Counsel collaborates closely with legal counsel in the 11 constituent agencies to ensure the Governor and the Secretary receive comprehensive, high quality, and creative solutions to identified challenges and policy priorities. This position will, under the supervision of the General Counsel, assist with management of civil litigation involving EOPSS or its constituent agencies, as well as the promulgation of relevant regulations.  Members of the legal team are also responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and commenting on legislation that impacts EOPSS agencies, public safety and homeland security, reviewing public record requests and responses, negotiating and reviewing contracts for services, and serving as Board Counsel to a variety of state Boards and Commissions.   

Key Responsibilities: This position will assist with the drafting, review, and management of regulations submitted by agencies for promulgation, draft memoranda of understanding and interagency agreements, and advise on legal issues related to pending legislation, press inquiries, or public records requests.  This position also will assist with the development of legal strategies to resolve or litigate lawsuits involving EOPSS or its agencies, which includes reviewing and editing briefs and settlement memoranda, and when necessary, participating in settlement negotiations. This position will also advise secretariat staff on compliance with ethics and procurement laws by processing all appropriate disclosures and responding to ethics-related questions or concerns. This position may be required to review and negotiate with contractors and vendors regarding contracts for services. This position will require serving as board counsel to advisory boards and committees.