Research Attorney I - Appeals Court - Massachusetts Trial Court
Boston, MA
About the Job
Title: Research Attorney I - Appeals Court
Pay Grade: 18
Starting Pay: Salary starts at Grade 18, Step 1, and continues pursuant to the OPEIU Local 6 Salary Schedule ($83,274.35 effective 7-02-2023)
Departmental Mission Statement: The Appeals Court is committed to:
- Doing justice under the law;
- Fair and impartial administration of justice;
- Protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;
- Rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner;
- Equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment with policies and practices that strengthen and support diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
- Prompt and courteous service to the public by committed and dedicated professionals utilizing best practices in a manner that inspires public trust and confidence.
Position Summary: This is the entry-level position title within this series. Working as a member of the Appeals Court Clerk's Office, the Research Attorney assists the Clerk and Assistant Clerks in performing their legal and administrative duties, works directly with Justices in the Appeals Court single justice and panel sessions, and assists the public by answering procedural questions. The position primarily involves analyzing and researching legal issues and questions, including those raised in appeals, petitions, motions, and other filings, and preparing legal memoranda, drafting orders, and performing legal research.
This position is part of a series that includes two levels. Employees are appointed to the entry level and are eligible to advance through reclassification to the higher level consistent with this job description and Appeals Court policies.
Research Attorney I. This is the entry level position title within this series. Employees at this level are expected to perform a variety of duties which include fulfilling all first level responsibilities, expectations, and learning the best practices of a Research Attorney I.
Research Attorney II. This is the second and final level position title within this series. Employees at this second level are expected to proficiently perform more complex duties within the range of Research Attorney responsibilities as required.
Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Clerk or their designee.
Duties:
- Research legal issues in a variety of civil and criminal appellate matters pending in the Appeals Court’s single justice and panel dockets
- Confer with and advise the justices, clerk, and assistant clerks on legal issues, including screening newly entered cases
- Coordinate and conduct hearings, in person and virtually, for cases before the single justice
- Draft and issue orders at the direction of the court and single justice
- Deliver all legal memoranda and related work product in a timely and high-quality fashion, meeting deadlines and demonstrating continuous knowledge of subject matter
- Assist the public and court personnel
- Assist in the development, preparation, and review of educational content and materials included on the court's public website for the purpose of guiding lawyers and self-represented litigants through the appellate process and keeping the public informed of amendments to court rules and practices
- Assist in maintaining and improving the office's electronic business processes, including the electronic case, filing, and document management systems
- Assist Appeals Court personnel in preparing materials for meetings, committees, reports, and legal education programs
- Review filings for compliance with the court rules and policies
- Draft and respond to correspondence
- Perform specialized legal and administrative functions
- May assist in the training, administration, and oversight of interns
- Perform special projects as assigned, and
- Perform related duties as required.
Job Competencies:
Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Appeals Court.
Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Appeals Court’s mission.
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Collects, organizes and reviews available data and applies correct legal standards and concepts to come to a reasoned, logical, and appropriate conclusion and recommendation under pressure and within the allotted time.
Professional Knowledge: Possesses and develops knowledge base and understanding of current legal issues, all aspects of the Massachusetts court system, and civil and criminal law and related appellate practice and procedure; and is proficient in the use of electronic legal research and electronic document management.
Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Appeals Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both court employees and the public.
Applied Knowledge: Demonstrates ability with MS Office and other business technologies and can properly support the administration of court policies, procedures, and initiatives in a unionized employee environment.
Problem Solving: Accurately assesses common operational problems and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Education and Experience
- Law degree from an accredited law school
- Member of the Massachusetts Bar in good standing
- At least two year's experience as a practicing attorney, preferably including work at the appellate level, or equivalent experience as a judicial law clerk or court staff attorney
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications
Knowledge and Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Massachusetts civil, criminal, and appellate law and procedure
- Modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software
- Court policies and procedures
- Case management principles
- Basic cashiering methods
Skill in:
- Legal research and analysis
- Legal writing
- Organization and time management
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
Ability to:
- Establish effective working relationships with others
- Maintain appropriate records
- Maintain confidentiality of information
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Use personal computers and related software including word processing, email, Adobe, and electronic case, filing, and document management systems
- Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
- Learn the court’s procedures and functions, manual and electronic
- Effectively communicate and assist members of the bar and general public, including self- represented litigants
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office or similar indoor environment. The Appeals Court’s physical offices and courtrooms are in Boston at the John Adams Courthouse. The Appeals Court has a remote work policy under which employees may be allowed to work remotely for part of their weekly schedule.
Physical Demands:
This position requires sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
HOW TO APPLY: If you are not currently viewing this posting online, please visit the Judicial Branch website at www.mass.gov/courts/iobs to apply for this Appeals Court position.
Applications are submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted.
SPECIAL NOTES:
- Paper, faxed, or emailed applications are not accepted for any Appeal Court position.
- Candidates selected to be interviewed will be asked to submit a writing sample not to exceed 10 pages.
- Because of the anticipated volume of applications, the Appeals Court will contact only those individuals who are selected for an interview.
- Court employees are not permitted to engage in the practice of law.
- Employees of the Massachusetts courts are required to be Massachusetts residents.
- This is a full-time position.
- This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.
- The position includes a generous State benefit package including a defined benefit pension plan, subject to vesting. Information about the Court's benefit page is available at https://www.mass.gov/guides/trial-court-employee-benefits
- Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check for all new hires.
The Massachusetts Appeals Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information.
The Appeals Court seeks out, welcomes, and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER