Paralegal Specialist

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.

About the Role:

The basic purpose of this position is to provide administrative support in connection with assigned unit activities such as office services, records control, agency legal services, etc.  Incumbents in this position monitor assigned activities; confer and coordinate with agency staff; maintain liaison with others; compile, review, or analyze data; prepare reports; respond to inquiries, and perform related work as required. This position assists attorneys and coordinates their work with agency staff to achieve our mutual responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

·       Conduct legal research and summarize findings related to public safety and security matters.

·       Organize, maintain, and manage legal files, and confidential documents.

·       Participate in the legal department’s responsibilities during the budget cycle, including review of outside sections and amendments and coordination of EOPSS responses.

·       Assist in responding to public records requests, including identifying applicable exemptions, communicating with the Supervisor of Public Records office and coordinating with the Communications Teams.

·       Manage the secretariat’s responsibilities with respect to e-discovery, tort presentment letters, and regulations.

·       Participate in the procurement process, as necessary.

·       Provide necessary support to EOPSS members of Boards and Commissions.

·       Participate in the on-going policy development, including attending meetings and providing suggestions and comments.

·       Participate in training sessions, as necessary.

·       Other related duties as the legal team or General Counsel may require. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·       Detailed oriented and exceptional organization skills.

·       Familiarity with Excel and Adobe Reader.

·       Ability to exercise sound judgment.

·       Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

·       Ability to review and edit general reports.

·       Ability to write concisely and effectively to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical sequence.

·       Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of law.

Qualifications - External

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions: 

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience. 

II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.