Contract Attorney (Law Clerk to Hearings Division)

Contract Attorney (Law Clerk to Hearings Division)

General Statement of Duties

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), the independent state agency that enforces the Commonwealth’s anti-discrimination laws (e.g. M.G.L Ch. 151B), is seeking a contract attorney. The contract attorney will serve as a Law Clerk through December 31, 2025 (or later period as exclusively determined by the MCAD, with the MCAD having the option to renew) to its Hearings Division. Among other tasks, the Hearings Division conducts public hearings and issues hearing decisions pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A and M.G.L. c. 151B, § 5. Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Hearing Officer, the Law Clerk will assist the Hearings Division with legal research and legal writing and other work deemed helpful for carrying out the division’s activities.

Detailed Duties

1. Review of public hearing record including exhibits, transcript/recording and post-hearing briefs
2. Conduct extensive legal research and legal writing regarding anti-discrimination statutes under the Commission’s jurisdiction and other laws as may arise
3. Draft and edit hearing decisions after public hearing
4. Draft and edit rulings on pre-hearing motions
5. Attend pre-hearing conferences, motion hearings and public hearings
6. Draft and edit decisions on any petition for attorneys’ fees and costs
7. Assistwith any other duties, as directed by the Senior Hearing Officer. 

Minimum Qualifications

1.         Juris Doctorate (JD) degree

2.         Licensed to practice law 

3.         Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of law

4.         Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative agency proceedings

5.         Ability to conduct legal research and legal writing

6.         Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment

7.         Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people

8.         Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely   express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner

9.         Ability to use a computer to conduct legal research and produce written documents

10.       Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time

11.       Ability to safeguard confidential information

12.       Ability to complete work in a timely manner

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two or more years of civil litigation
2. Law clerk experience and/or judicial internship experience at trial or appellate level
3. Experience with legal writing at trial or appellate level
4. Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of Massachusetts administrative law
5. Knowledge of M.G.L. c. 30A and the legal standards governing administrative adjudication in Massachusetts
6. Knowledge of Massachusetts law regarding housing discrimination, employment discrimination, and public accommodation discrimination

This is a short-term, remote contract position up to 5 hours a week (20 hours a month max) expected to end December 31, 2025.  Incumbents will not be eligible for Commonwealth employee benefits. 

Please submit a brief (less than 10 pages) writing sample with your resume.

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.