Contract Attorney (Law Clerk to Hearings Division)General Statement of DutiesThe 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 * Review of public hearing record including exhibits, transcript/recording and post-hearing briefs
Conduct extensive legal research and legal writing regarding anti-discrimination statutes under the Commission’s jurisdiction and other laws as may arise
Draft and edit hearing decisions after public hearing
Draft and edit rulings on pre-hearing motions
Attend pre-hearing conferences, motion hearings and public hearings
Draft and edit decisions on any petition for attorneys’ fees and costs
Assistwith any other duties, as directed by the Senior Hearing Officer.
Minimum Qualifications1. Juris Doctorate (JD) degree2. Licensed to practice law3. Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of law4. Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative agency proceedings5. Ability to conduct legal research and legal writing6. Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment7. Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people8. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner9. Ability to use a computer to conduct legal research and produce written documents10. Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time11. Ability to safeguard confidential information12. Ability to complete work in a timely mannerPreferred Qualifications * Two or more years of civil litigation
Law clerk experience and/or judicial internship experience at trial or appellate level
Experience with legal writing at trial or appellate level
Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of Massachusetts administrative law
Knowledge of M.G.L. c. 30A and the legal standards governing administrative adjudication in Massachusetts
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.QualificationsPlease see Preferred QualificationsAn 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.
