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Pay Grade: Grade 25S
Salary Range: 25S Entry Level Pay $105,547.78 to Pay Range Maximum $155,560.86
Starting Pay: $105,547.78
Salary Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement/MOA with OPEIU, Local 6. Pay may advance within the salary band according to the CBA/MOU.
Departmental Mission Statement: The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable and efficient forum to resolve family and probate legal matters and to assist and protect all individuals, families and children in an impartial and respectful manner.
The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related matters, such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, and abuse prevention. In addition to equity jurisdiction, the Probate and Family Court also has jurisdiction over wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name.
Organizational Profile:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/probate-and-family-court
Notes:
Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda, decisions, and orders for assigned judge(s), and consults with judge(s) on legal issues. May oversee and train law clerks and judicial interns.
Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the First Justice and/or their designee.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
• Researches and analyzes case law, statutes, rules, regulations, and other relevant law. Drafts decisions and research memoranda.
• Performs legal research for judges regarding issues that arise during trials and other court proceedings.
• Assists judges, fellow research attorneys, and law clerks with proofreading, editing, and legal interpretation of documents.
• Advises judges on legal issues.
• Oversees the work of and trains law clerks and judicial interns.
• Assists in preparing materials for committees, meetings, and judicial conferences.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Job Competencies:
Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
Applied Knowledge: Proficiency in legal research, preparing legal memoranda, decisions, and other documents.
Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within assigned matters.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience
• Law Degree from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year of related work experience
• Admission to and good standing with Massachusetts Bar
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software
• Legal research services and databases
• Case law, statutory law, rules, and regulations
• Law and procedure applicable to assigned Court Department
• Legal terminology
Skill in:
• Organization and time management
• Attention to detail
• Proofreading
• Critical thinking
• Research
• Analysis
• Legal Writing
Ability to:
• Establish effective working relationships with others
• Prepare clear and accurate work productEdit the work product of other employees
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
• Perform legal research and analysis
• Analyze problems and develop feasible solutions

Year after year, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has continued to pioneer bold legislative actions and programs, some of which have been embraced on a national scale. We are always looking for talented individuals to help us maintain this momentum and improve the services that millions of people depend on every day.
If you’re looking for an innovative work environment where you can really make a difference, check out the job opportunities with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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