Job Description

Position Summary

The Legal Department provides legal service and advice to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA on a wide variety of issues.

The Employment & Labor Counsel will provide day-to-day legal counsel, representation, and support to the MassDOT and MBTA on employment and labor matters requiring dedicated legal services. In consultation with the lead executives, Employment & Labor Counsel will represent the MassDOT and the MBTA in employment and labor-related litigation, and oversee all related legal aspects in order to ensure organizational compliance with all relevant state and federal guidelines and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and counsel in a confidential capacity in the areas of employment and labor law, which will have a significant impact on the MassDOT and the MBTA.
Provide legal counsel and advice on complex litigation matters.
Respond to complex complaints and requests received from federal and state agencies, including but not limited to, the MCAD, EEOC, Civil Service Commission, DOL, DLR, and DLS.
Represent the MassDOT and the MBTA in complex litigation in courts and before state and federal administrative agencies, which will have a significant impact on the MassDOT and the MBTA.
Represent MassDOT in labor arbitrations.
Communicate with representatives of other agencies and collaborate with cross-agency teams and stakeholders to share information, resolve issues, and develop or implement new programs.
Accountable for handling negotiations, mediations and alternative dispute resolution of employment and labor-related matters.
Accountable for preparing reports on case status, exposure, and dispositions which may include sensitive and confidential personnel information.
Accountable for maintaining data in case management system on a timely and complete basis.
Work in close collaboration with the MassDOT and MBTA labor relations departments to ensure consistent, uniform, and effective discipline administration across all departments.
Provide legal advice and counsel to the MassDOT and MBTA labor relations departments on collective bargaining related matters. Participate in the development of contract proposals and provide guidance as necessary in collective bargaining negotiations, including, with respect to MassDOT, advice and counsel regarding labor law matters arising under Chapter 150E.
Keep informed of legal developments and changes in employment and labor law.
Review and employment-related policies and procedures on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, which will have a significant impact on the MassDOT and the MBTA.
Respond to notices, subpoenas, summonses, unfair labor practice charges, demand letters, and other correspondence that require legal action in the employment and labor and human resources arenas.
Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MassDOT and the MBTAAy including the EEO and Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
Assist outside counsel providing support to the MassDOT and the MBTA on employment and labor-related matters.
Perform related Duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Six (6) years of experience providing employment and labor law advice and handling employment litigation matters, including experience practicing before the MCAD, the EEOC, the DLR, or Massachusetts and Federal courts.
Experience representing large public agencies or other organizations.
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution.
Have a membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar including annual registration and certification by the Board of Overseers
Four (4) years of experience providing employment and labor law advice and handling employment litigation matters, including experience practicing before the MCAD, DLR, EEOC, or Massachusetts and Federal courts.
Ability to manage and prioritize a high volume workload.
Effective organizational, analytical and confidentiality skills.
Ability to pass a background screening.
Excellent customer service, presentation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to work with a diverse workforce.

Pre-Hire Process

A finalist for this position must be able to pass a comprehensive background check including a criminal record check, Department of Revenue (DOR) check, and employment references.

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth's residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT's inclusive culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT's divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

For questions regarding the job posting, please email Robin Burke at robin.burke@dot.state.ma.us.
For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call Derrick Mann at 857-368-8541.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.