Counsel II - Special Projects

Minimum Entrance Requirements

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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

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.

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

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

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].

• 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 the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935. 

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.

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Position Summary

Incumbents of classifications in this series represent the interests of assigned agencies in dispute resolution and legal proceedings; collect facts and evidence; perform legal research and analysis; prepare and manage cases for review by a tribunal; provide guidance, advice and recommendations to agency staff and others on legal matters; draft administrative and legal documents; and provide customer service and information to the public on agency functions, rules and regulations.

The basic purpose of this work is to provide legal representation and support to the agency and to help it fulfill its mission and meet its legal obligations.

Counsel, Special Projects provides legal counsel and support to MassDOT and MBTA management and staff on matters related to special projects and complex transactions. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, Special Projects/Board Oversight, the Counsel conducts legal research, drafts and reviews legal documents, and provides legal support for special projects and other assigned matters.  The Counsel contributes to the delivery of high-quality legal services by providing sound legal analysis and recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Deputy General Counsel Special Projects/Board Oversight:

• Provide legal advice and support to MassDOT/MBTA Program Managers, capital delivery teams, and project management staff on a broad range of legal matters related to alternative delivery procurements, contracts, public-private partnerships, and other major capital projects.

• Conduct legal research, draft and review procurement and contract documents, assist in the negotiation of agreements, identify legal risks, and support the procurement, approval, and delivery of major projects utilizing alternative project delivery methods, including Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and Public-Private Partnerships (P3).

•  Collaborate with other attorneys, outside counsel, and project teams to support the successful delivery of assigned projects; to share information, resolve issues and develop or implement new programs.

•  Provide legal research, review, analysis, and recommendations on project-related issues, including permitting, contract interpretation, and claims.

• Assist project teams and senior attorneys in identifying legal risks and developing risk mitigation strategies related to legal, property, insurance, and commercial matters.

• Support the ongoing legal review of assigned projects by researching issues, preparing memoranda, and coordinating with project teams and other stakeholders throughout project implementation.

•  Perform other duties as assigned.

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 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.

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