ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL
PUBLIC PROTECTION & ADVOCACY BUREAU
CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION/Police Accountability Unit
(Boston or Regional Office)
The Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General is looking for an experienced and highly motivated attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in the Police Accountability Unit (PAU). This innovative Unit within the Civil Rights Division protects the civil rights of people who interact with local police departments and other law enforcement agencies.
Position Type: Full-Time/Exempt
Our current hybrid model includes some remote workdays for most positions. On in-office days, employees are required to report to one of our designated office locations, in Boston, New Bedford, Springfield, or Worcester.
Salary: $87,500 to $130,595, commensurate with JD year and experience.
Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants who need an accommodation. For assistance, please contact the Human Resources Division at (617) 963-2932.
Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to:
Rose Woods, Administrative Assistant
Civil Rights Division
(617) 963-2345
The Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As the representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the Attorney General’s Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.
Responsibilities
The Assistant Attorney General will work closely with the PAU Director to pursue the Unit’s mission to investigate and redress patterns or practices of racially biased or otherwise unlawful policing, provide support to law enforcement agencies regarding civil rights compliance, and protect the civil rights of incarcerated people. Responsibilities include:
- Screening and developing new matters.
- Conducting comprehensive investigations involving interviews, data analysis, and retaining and working with experts.
- Drafting written recommendations including legal analyses.
- Litigating cases in state and federal court related to PAU’s enforcement authority, including negotiating, monitoring, and enforcing settlement agreements.
- Working collaboratively with other state agencies, including the Police Officer Standards & Training Commission (“POST”) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (“EOPSS”).
- Working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, including by providing technical assistance, legal guidance, and training on compliance with civil rights laws.
- Developing legislative and policy initiatives.
- Reviewing and drafting amicus briefs.
- Engaging with community stakeholders on matters related to policing practices and criminal justice reform, including through speaking engagements and attendance at community meetings.
Qualifications
- Must be a member of the Massachusetts bar or eligible for admission in short order.
- At least three (3) years of full-time legal experience, preferably including complex civil litigation and/or criminal justice experience, such as litigation or advocacy involving law enforcement practices or experience as a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney.
- Experience working directly with or on behalf of members of the public, especially historically marginalized communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to ensuring the trust and confidence of communities in law enforcement agencies and ensuring accountability when law enforcement officers commit misconduct.
- Outstanding research, writing, and advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, including other attorneys and staff.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Vietnamese, or Haitian Creole is a plus.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
Application Process
To apply for this position, all applicants must visit the AGO website via this link to upload your cover letter, writing sample, and resume, and submit an application.
