Public Records Staff Attorney
The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking candidates for a Staff Attorney position in the Public Records Division. The Division administers the updated Massachusetts Public Records Law. Under the authority of the Supervisor of Records, the Division processes and issues determinations on appeals from petitioners denied access to government records; responds to inquiries involving the interpretation of public records statutes and regulations; and provides training to government employees and their agents throughout Massachusetts. The Staff Attorney will work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and will be responsible for providing legal support to the Supervisor and Division in administering the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
Representative tasks include performing complex legal research involving state and federal case-law, statutes, regulations, Attorney General Opinions, Executive Orders and prior Supervisor Determinations; reviewing appeals from public records requesters who have been denied access to government records; drafting administrative Public Records Law determinations on issues including privacy, police records, settlement agreements, government contracts; responding to inquiries from records custodians, records requesters and general public relating to the Public Records Law; providing legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression; conducting trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested; providing general legal support for the Division, including the Commissions Section; some in-state travel may be required; and performing other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required include the ability to communicate timely and effectively, both orally and in writing; strong legal writing skills; law review or journal experience preferred; ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines; and ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office comprises 23 departments across 19 locations around Massachusetts. As the third-ranking constitutional officer in Massachusetts, the Secretary of the Commonwealth serves as the chief election officer, chief information officer, and chief securities regulator in Massachusetts. Additionally, the office is charged with registering business entities and lobbyists, distributing grants for historic preservation, safeguarding the state's public records and artifacts, and much more.
The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation.
As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date.
This position is not eligible for remote work.
Total compensation as an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts includes an outstanding set of employee benefits, including state paid medical insurance premium, reasonable dental and vision plans, flexible spending account and dependent care assistance programs, low cost basic and optional life insurance, retirement savings, 12 paid holidays per year and sick, vacation, and personal time, tuition benefits for employee at state colleges and universities, short-term disability and extended illness program participation options, incentive-based wellness programs, professional development and continuing education opportunities, qualified employer for public service student loan forgiveness program, and a starting salary of $62,500.
To apply, please send a copy of your resume, a cover letter, and three references to