Counsel I

Job Description

The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) mission is to administer the Commonwealth's Workers' Compensation System and to provide prompt and fair compensation to victims of occupational injuries and illnesses, and to see that medical treatment to injured workers is provided in a timely manner while balancing the needs of employers to certain workers' compensation insurance costs.

The Counsel I will represent the Workers' Compensation Trust Fund in claims brought against it under Section 65 and in reimbursement matters under Sections 35C, 37, and 37A, appearing for the Worker's Compensation Trust Fund at conciliations, conferences, hearings and appeals before the division of Dispute Resolution. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing case files and evidence concerning alleged disability, initial liability, and other issues and defenses relative to assigned claims.
• Preparing motions, arguments (written and oral), and briefs for proceedings before the Division of Dispute Resolution.
• Conducting legal research and communicating the results in writing and orally.
• Coordinating all activities with other counsel and pro se claimants.
• Undertaking depositions and preparing affidavits.
• Interviewing and preparing witnesses for proceedings before the DIA Division of Dispute Resolution.
• Negotiating agreements and settlements and obtaining authority for same from the General Counsel.
• Drafting correspondence, reports, etc. as required.
• Conducting legal research on topics affecting the DIA and communicating results to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel, as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned by the General Counsel and their designees, including, but not limited to, the Deputy General Counsel.

SALARY PLACEMENT IS DETERMINED BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSITION AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION'S RECRUITING GUIDELINES. IN THE CASE OF A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, THE SALARY PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL BE UTILIZED FOR PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SALARY RANGE.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment.

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!

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.