Associate Board Counsel

About the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General (“Treasury”)

Our mission is to manage and safeguard the State's public deposits and investments through sound business practices for the exclusive benefits of our citizens, and perform these duties with integrity, excellence, and leadership. Additionally, we strive to provide economic opportunity, stability, and security for every Massachusetts resident.

We are committed to excellence in recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse and qualified individuals. We value the culture of diversity and professionalism in the workplace, and strongly believe that our workforce should reflect our community.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FM68GFV

Office Location: 1 Winter St, Boston, MA 02108

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Massachusetts State Retirement Board (“MSRB”) is department within the Office of the State Treasurer which administers a defined benefit retirement plan, the Massachusetts State Employees Retirement System (“MSERS”), for eligible employees of the Commonwealth and certain independent entities. Established in 1911, the MSRB supports more than 87,000 active members and more than 69,000 retirees & beneficiaries. The MSRB annually issues more than $2.8b in benefits. 

The MSRB Legal Unit is responsible for providing legal counsel in a high-volume work setting to the Board and staff, on all matters relative to the proper administration of the MSERS as governed by M.G.L. c. 32 and applicable federal requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the MSRB in judicial and administrative forums relative to all legal matters, including member appeals from MSRB decisions and Board-initiated matters before appointed Hearing Officers.
• Advise Executive Director and staff relative to the interpretation and implementation of G.L. c. 32, related administrative regulations, administrative or judicial decisions, and contract issues.
• Develop an expertise regarding the provisions of G.L. c. 32 and administrative regulations. Develop a working familiarity with the statutes, regulations, and case law affecting public employees, including M.G.L. c. 66 (Public Records), M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25 (Open Meetings), and M.G.L. c. 268A (Conduct of Public Officials).
• Participate in the preparation for and present matters during monthly MSRB Board meetings, including accidental and ordinary disability retirement applications, group classification applications, beneficiary determinations, forfeiture matters, and legal updates.
• Participate in the preparation of member requests and applications, and compilation of supporting materials, for review during monthly MSRB Board meeting.
• Review proposed worker’s compensation lump sum agreements, domestic relations orders, and employment settlement agreements from Commonwealth agencies which may impact the calculation of retirement benefits.
• Participate in enforcement and adjudicatory efforts in connection with post-retirement earnings limits and disability retirees’ excess earnings cases pursuant to G.L. c. 32, § 91A and benefit forfeitures due to criminal convictions pursuant to G.L. c. 32,§ 15.
• Monitor and analyze new and proposed federal and state legislation and regulations and their impact on the administration of G.L. c. 32. Advise staff on legislative and regulatory developments on a timely basis.
• Monitor and analyze judicial an