Staff Attorney - Appeals Court

Official Title: Staff Attorney - Appeals Court Pay Grade: Grade 20 Salary Range: USD $110,092.84 - $154,298.82 Starting Pay: $110,092.84 Departmental Mission Statement: The Massachusetts Appeals Court is committed to doing justice under the law by rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner, treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially. Organizational Profile: http://www.mass.gov/courts/appealscourt Notes: This position will remain open until filled, but preference will be given to candidates who apply by April 13, 2026. This is a union position and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with O.P.E.I.U. Local 6. This job posting is for a position located at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston, MA. The Appeals Court recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers a remote work policy, subject to certain conditions and requirements. **Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, a staff attorney's starting salary will be the starting salary noted above, with some exceptions for staff attorneys who are hired from within the Massachusetts judiciary **After 4 years, a staff attorney is eligible to reclassify to become a senior staff attorney (pay grade 21, which has a current maximum salary of $168,764.70) Position Summary: The court seeks a highly skilled and detail-oriented staff attorney. Staff attorneys work closely with all members of the court, including the Justices, on a variety of legal assignments in a collaborative environment. Among other work, staff attorneys edit outgoing decisions, and applicants should expect that most of their time will be spent editing. A staff attorney's role in editing outgoing decisions is to conduct a thorough review of the decision to ensure substantive accuracy and compliance with detailed formatting and style conventions. In addition, staff attorneys (1) screen incoming briefs for procedural defects and to help determine which cases should be scheduled for oral argument and (2) assist in drafting decisions. Especially for the screening and writing aspects of the job, staff attorneys spend more of their time working on civil versus criminal cases, and significant experience handling complex civil matters would be helpful. For this position, expertise with or interest in complex business or commercial law would be particularly helpful but not required. This role is ideal for an attorney who excels in legal research, writing, and editing. Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Staff Attorney and/or the Chief Justice or his/her/their designee. Duties: • Edits outgoing opinions and dispositive orders • Screens incoming briefs and records in civil and/or criminal cases • Prepares legal memoranda on selected civil and/or criminal cases • Assists in drafting opinions and dispositive orders • Performs specific legal and consultative work assigned by the Justices • Performs other related work as required Certain cases may require expertise in a variety of specialized areas. These areas include, but are not limited to, the following: • business litigation • insurance • financial services • trusts and estates • child welfare • 209A and 258E • torts • land use • real estate • domestic relations • appellate procedure • civil procedure • criminal law Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Appeals Court. Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Appeals Court Mission. Applied Knowledge Understanding of legal research, preparing legal memorandum and other documents, contributing to the development and implementation of court rules and policies. Problem Solving Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action. Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve himself or herself through professional development. Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Customer Service Fosters a departmental environment emphasizing conduct that is courteous and professional toward both Appeals Court employees and the public. Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. Minimum Requirements: • Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts state civil and/or criminal procedure • Working knowledge of appellate court jurisdiction and procedure • Working knowledge of trial court procedure is preferred • Ability to assist in drafting and editing legal documents pursuant to technical and substantive guidelines • Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts and precedent • Ability to meet deadlines • Ability to communicate clearly and precisely, verbally and in writing • Ability to work well with others, including judges, law clerks, and staff • Computer and technical skills • Previous writing and editing experience is preferred • Graduation from an accredited law school • Membership in the Massachusetts Bar • Minimum of five years of legal experience Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office or similar indoor environment. The Appeals Court’s physical offices and courtrooms are in Boston at the John Adams Courthouse. The court regularly conducts hearing in diverse locations across the Commonwealth. Personnel may be required to attend off-site hearings. The Appeals Court has a remote work policy under which employees may be allowed to work remotely for part of their weekly schedule. Special Notes: • Staff attorneys are not permitted to engage in the practice of law. • By statute, employees of the Massachusetts courts must be Massachusetts residents. • This is a union position and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with O.P.E.I.U. Local 6. • This job posting is for a position located at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston, MA. Applications are submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted. Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check. The Appeals Court seeks out, welcomes, and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER