The Forensic Services Staff Counsel is a management position that directly supports the agency’s Forensic Services Senior Counsel, and also supports the Department’s Chief Science Officer, Deputy Division Commander, and Chief Legal Counsel to address legal issues involving the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory (MSPCL or Crime Lab). The position reports directly to the Forensic Services Senior Counsel VII position and provides legal analysis, interpretation, research, as well as advice and guidance on matters impacting the Crime Lab’s Sections: Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Services, and Forensic Support.

The Staff Counsel will assist with a number of key functions for the Crime Lab, including (1) evaluating judicial and quasi-judicial decisions, rulings, and opinions that impact MSPCL policies and/or operations, and offering recommendations to comply with the decisions; (2) drafting for review administrative, court, and related legal documents; (3) addressing requests for discovery and requests made under federal and state public records laws for MSPCL records and information; (4) assisting with the development and subsequently participating in training of MSPCL staff to enhance provision of expert testimony in legal forums (e.g., criminal and civil cases, Daubert hearings, etc.); (5) collaborating with the MSP Legal Section attorneys and, when directed, outside counsel to prepare legal positions, strategies, defenses, and policies for the MSPCL; and (6) coordinating processes and work product as needed to ensure MSPCL compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies, standards, contracts, and memoranda of agreement and understanding. The Staff Counsel will also assist with the maintenance of legal files and coordination of MSPCL legal records management with the Department’s Legal Section.

*Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, be an active member of the Massachusetts bar, and have at least three years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates who have prosecutorial experience and extensive knowledge and understanding of forensic analysis are preferred.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the (A) required experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the (A) required experience.

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.