Performs a variety of complex, high level legal, administrative, managerial,
and supervisory work assisting the City Solicitor in overseeing and
directing all Law Department activities as set forth in the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.26. Under the supervision and direction of the
City Solicitor: oversees and conducts the prosecution and defense of all suits
in which the City is a party in state and federal courts and administrative
agencies; provides representation and advice to the City Manager, department
heads and other City officials on a broad variety of legal issues, rights,
obligations and practices under applicable federal, state and local laws, and
regarding business transactions, negotiations and related matters; drafts, reviews and approves legislation and a
wide range of legal instruments, renders advisory opinions to the City Manager,
City Council, School Committee, department heads, and boards and commissions; assumes responsibility for planning and
execution of complex legal functions, has direct accountability for department
results; exercises critical judgment in making decisions and rendering advice
regarding the City’s legal affairs; regularly attends meetings of the City
Council and its subcommittees; serves as a resource for City departments by
providing legal advice and training on a variety of matters; is responsible for
the supervision, training and evaluation of attorneys and administrative
support staff; is responsible for department budget and overall office
management; and performs related work as required and at the direction of the City
Solicitor, City Manager and Deputy City Manager.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS: Juris doctor
degree from an accredited law
school required. Must be a member of the
Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice before Massachusetts state and federal
courts. Thorough knowledge of
Massachusetts and federal law required, familiarity with Cambridge local
ordinances highly desirable. At least 10
years experience in Massachusetts municipal law, general civil litigation, and
experience in a wide range of substantive areas of law (employment, real
estate, tax/valuation, construction, contracts and/or environmental law)
required. Demonstrated ability to
supervise legal and administrative staff with at least 2 years’ experience in supervisory
position, thorough knowledge of municipal government, and public sector legal
experience required. Excellent oral
communication skills and the ability to represent the City before an array of
organizations and bodies and the public, excellent writing and legal writing
skills, strong organizational skills, ability to manage a large number of
projects and tasks at any given time, ability to shift gears flexibly and
quickly and respond to emergency circumstances, negotiation, conflict
resolution, leadership, planning, supervisory, budgetary and management skills
required. The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it
serves, is diverse. Applicants must have
the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a
variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to
access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple
files. Must read and analyze large
quantities of information. Must lift
and/or move up to 10 pounds at times. Must have sufficient mobility to get back
and forth from office to offsite meetings and court.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is conducted primarily in an office environment with fluorescent
lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office
equipment, but also involves meetings in
other offices or facilities. Due to COVID-19, some work may be scheduled to be
performed remotely.
RATE $147,500 - $159,656 + excellent benefits
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit your resume and cover letter via email to or to the Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts
Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax
617-349-4312. Resume and cover letter requested by 04/27/22. Position will remain open until filled. We are an AA/EEO Employer.
