*Counsel I Job Description* *Position Summary* This position is assigned to the Legal Department and will be the fourth attorney in the department. Functions include but are not limited to: serving as the Records Access Officer and performing RAO duties related to public records requests; assisting agency’s privacy and security officers and tracking compliance with state and federal law; legal research in a variety of areas; maintenance of files and records (physical and e-records) in accordance with required procedures; maintenance of legal library; supporting the legal needs in Salesforce cases; maintain and update legal docket; and other duties as assigned. The Counsel 1 will also need to be familiar with the CommBuys CML system to facilitate contracting support. The employee must be able to learn new subjects and tasks quickly, be a self-motivated worker, have attention to detail, polished speaking skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be able to convey information in a concise, logical, and clear manner. *Duties and Responsibilities* This position reports to the General Counsel and will receive direction and guidance from the General Counsel and other senior attorneys. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: · Maintenance of the legal files (electronic and paper) and organization of files · Serve as the Public Records Access Officer and prepare and respond to public records requests · Assist senior attorneys in responding to subpoenas and public records requests · Assist and support legal department responsibilities as privacy and security officers. · Conduct legal research, draft legal memoranda, and provide legal conclusions or recommendations to senior attorneys. · Taking notes at Commission meetings, and subsequently drafting Commission meeting minutes, drafting of meeting notices and compliance with Public Meeting notice requirements; and maintenance of the physical copies of Commission minutes in the GIC offices. · Coordinate the drafting of legal contracts resulting from procurements, with guidance from senior attorneys, which may include assembling and reviewing contracts, ensuring all contracts are signed by appropriate parties in a timely manner, and maintaining copies of contracts in the legal files. This will require familiarity the CommBuys CML system. · Manage the queue of legal cases in Salesforce or other case tracking system, which may include reviewing and assigning cases to appropriate legal staff, among other things. · Review of Powers of Attorney, with guidance from senior attorneys · General administrative duties, such as copying, scanning,referring legal questions from staff to senior attorneys and/or provide answers to staff · Ensure that staff and commissioners complete the state ethics training requirements and serve as the Statement of Financial Interest liaison with the State Ethics Commission · Assist with HIPAA and privacy matters, which includes maintaining the HIPAA breach log · Maintain and keep legal docket current · Other duties as assigned Minimum Entrance Requirements (MERs) Applicants must have passed the MA bar exam and hold a current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of MA. *Preferred Qualifications* · Experience in law firm and/or governmental agency · Experience with administrative and regulatory law · Experience with Public recordslaw · Comfortable working with high level officials/C-level · Trained in HIPAA and other privacy laws; experience in HIPAA breach log maintenance · Experience tracking compliance issues · Ability to work autonomously, once trained · Proficiency in tracking legal cases and projects, in a docketing system · Proven efficiency in a work from home environment · Curious to learn new topics and ability to learn new topics quickly · Attention to detail and accuracy · Excellent organizational skills · Excellent legal and general research skills · Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including ability to communicate in a precise, understandable manner and ability to communicate concisely, clearly and provide information in a logical sequence · Experience with administrative law, legislative process, and promulgation of regulations · Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines · Experience in handling highly sensitive and confidential information; ability to exercise discretion in handling such information; and knowledge of how to handle information protected under HIPAA · Ability to exercise sound judgment · Ability to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with others *First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.* MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicantsmust have passed the MA bar exam and hold a current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of MA. and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes. *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.* **Job:** **Legal Services* **Organization:** **Group Insurance Commission* **Title:** *Counsel I* **Location:** *Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place* **Requisition ID:** *240009RE*