Assistant Attorney General Government Bureau/Division of Open Government The Office of the Attorney General (AGO) is looking for a highly motivated attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) working on open government matters. The Division of Open Government is primarily responsible for statewide enforcement of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18-25. The Division provides training and guidance on the law's requirements and investigates and resolves complaints alleging violations of the Open Meeting Law, which requires transparency in the discussions on which public policy is based. The Division also handles certain enforcement duties under the Public Records Law, G.L. c. 66, § 10.
Duties and Responsibilities: The AAG will be responsible for investigating Open Meeting Law complaints alleging violations of the Open Meeting Law and for drafting formal and informal determination letters resolving those matters. In addition, the AAG will be responsible for conducting online and in-person Open Meeting Law trainings for public body members and responding to telephone and email requests for guidance on the Open Meeting Law's requirements. The AAG will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Public Records Law following referrals from the Supervisor of Public Records. The AAG may independently defend lawsuits challenging the Division's interpretations of the Open Meeting Law and bring affirmative litigation to compel compliance with the Public Records Law.
Position Type: Full-Time/Exempt Salary: Salary is based on JD year and experience. When applying for this position, you will be asked to provide a cover letter and resume. The application deadline for this posting is September 5, 2022. Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to: Carrie Benedon, Director
Division of Open Government
(617) 963-2080
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.
Job Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of legal experience and must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar. Applicants must have strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest. The ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload is important. Experience engaging with members of the public to investigate and resolve complaints and provide information to constituents is preferred. Knowledge of and familiarity with the Open Meeting Law and Public Records Law, as well as the administrative law process, generally, is desirable. Litigation experience is preferred, but not required. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the people and communities we serve, and an interest in supporting a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Please Note: COVID-19 vaccines are required of all AGO employees. Absent an approved medical or religious accommodation or pregnancy exemption, all new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to beginning employment with the AGO. Additionally, new hires are required to receive their first booster shot prior to the start of their employment, or within 30 days of eligibility, absent an approved medical or religious accommodation or pregnancy exemption. Our hybrid model includes some telework days for most positions.