Committee Legal Counsel - House Committee on Ways and Means

Agency Overview: 
The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

Position Overview:
Committee Legal Counsel for the House Committee on Ways and Means provides legal counsel, policy analysis and recommendations to the General Counsel and Chair of the House Committee Ways and Means on a wide range of legislative issues, including legal research and analysis, drafting of legal memoranda and legislation. Assists in the development, drafting and presentation of policy and legislation and corresponds with , advocates, other legislative offices and the executive and judicial branches on matters of interest to the committee. May handle other duties as assigned.

Reports to:
Reports to the Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Chief of Staff and General Counsel for the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 
•    Make recommendations to the General Counsel and Committee Chair on legislation and budgetary documents referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means;
•    Provide legal research and analysis for legislation and budgetary documents referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, including preparing legal memoranda on legal issues of pending legislation, the state budget, supplemental budgets and any other legal issues, as may be assigned;
•    Analyze legislation and amendments pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means, including preparing bill summaries;
•    Perform a full review of all legal and policy issues that may arise from state budgets, supplemental budgets and other legislation referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means;
•    Provide assistance to the Chair and General Counsel on the floor of the House, as needed;
•    Draft legislation, including committee redrafts of bills and amendments;
•    Collaborate with the House Committee on Ways and Means legal team and other committee staff;
•    Meet with government officials, House members and other stakeholder and constituency groups regarding matters before the House Committee on Ways and Means;
•    Draft talking points and other speaking materials for the Chair, as may be assigned;
•    Utilizes research data bases;
•    Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite;
•    Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Required Skills/Attributes:
•    Ability to interface and work with different communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;
•    Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently, work with a team and meet deadlines on short notice;
•    Ability to analyze materials and use critical thinking skills;
•    Ability to prioritize time sensitive assignments;
•    Ability to be flexible and move between projects to meet deadlines;
•    Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;
•    Excellent writing and communication skills;
•    Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;
•    Ability to use standard office equipment and technology; 
•    Ability to follow-up and complete tasks.

Education/Experience Qualifications:
•    J. D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing are required. 
•    Prior legislative or related work experience fo