Agency Overview:

The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people. State Representative Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), serves as the current House Chair of the Joint Committee on Publc Health.

Position Overview:

Committee Legal Counsel provides legal counsel and policy analysis to the Chair of the Committee on a wide range of legislative issues, including legal research and analysis, drafting of legal memoranda and legislation. Assists in the development, drafting and presentation of policy and legislation and corresponds with constituents, advocates, other legislative offices and the executive and judicial branches on matters of interest to the committee. May handle constituent services, communications responsibilities, and other duties as assigned.

Reports to:

Reports to the Chair of the Committee and, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Provide legal research and analysis and counsel to the Chair of the Committee;

• Analyze legislation pending before the Committee, including preparing bill summaries, and make recommendations to the Chair with regard to pending legislation;

• Draft legislation, including committee redrafts of bills and amendments;

• Advise Committee staff regarding procedures and statutes that bear on matters before the Committee;

• In consultation with Research Director, track committee bills and legislative initiatives contained within the budget through the legislative process;

• Assist the Research Director to plan and organize Committee hearings, including preparing hearing notices, legal briefs and materials for Chair;

• Meet with government officials and other stakeholder and constituency groups regarding matters before the Committee;

• Respond to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives and constituency groups regarding bill language and bill status;

• Attend hearings, events and meetings on behalf of Chair;

• Prepare briefing materials for the Chair and create reference materials on topical issues;

• Draft talking points and other speaking materials for the Chair;

• Identify and research legal issues of concern;

• Review testimony received on Committee bills;

• Maintain files and archives of Committee materials;

• Utilizes research data bases;

• Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite;

• Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Salary: Low $60k's

Benefits
As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, staff have access to a wide variety of health
plans including coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits. Furthermore, retirement benefits are
available, depending upon one’s length of employment.

The House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.