Lead Counsel, Office of the General Counsel

About the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

Since its creation as the nation's first state-level inspector general's office, the Massachusetts OIG has been at the forefront of promoting effective government and the responsible use of public money and property. The OIG is an independent agency charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse in the use of public funds and public property. By statute, the Inspector General (IG) has broad authority to oversee the use of state, local and federal funds by state and local governments, as well as by those who receive government funds or use public property. This includes state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, as well as individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations that do business with the government.

The OIG is led by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth, who is appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and Auditor "...solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation or criminal justice administration." M.G.L. c. 12A, § 2.

The OIG is organized into three bureaus: Specialty & General Government, Legal & Compliance, and Operations, Training & Publications. Each bureau contains divisions that focus on specific agencies, issues or functions. Together the bureaus work to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse of public resources in the Commonwealth. Additional information about the OIG may be found at Welcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov.

The OIG's enabling is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws. Further details may be found at Chapter 12A (malegislature.gov)

The Legal & Compliance Bureau 

The Legal & Compliance Bureau is managed by the General Counsel. This bureau consists of three divisions: The Office of the General Counsel; Audit, Oversight and Investigations; and Government Outreach and Public Policy. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal support across the office related to human resources, procurements, compliance, litigation and investigations. The Audit, Oversight and Investigation Division investigates possible fraud, waste and abuse of public resources across state and local government. The Government Outreach and Public Policy Division oversees the OIG's government outreach, municipal engagement, and policy and legislative initiatives and is responsible for legislative mandates such as the review of land dispositions. 

The Office of the General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel serves as in-house counsel to the OIG. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides essential legal advice and support to the OIG on external and internal matters. The OGC supports investigative divisions when legal issues arise during an investigation, audit or review by assisting with formal interviews; analyzing evidence; conducting legal research; enforcing summonses; and liaising with state, municipal and private entities. In addition, the OGC manages legal strategy in all OIG litigation, and attorneys in the OGC represent the OIG in state and federal court. Attorneys in the OGC also draft and review legislation and provide guidance on state and local procurement matters.

The Office of the General Counsel plays a key internal support role. The OGC provides legal guidance and support to the OIG on human resources and fiscal matters. The Office of the General Counsel has responsibilities related to compliance and internal controls, including onboarding new employees, developing and updating policies and procedures, and regularly providing in-house training on topics such as confidentiality, ethics and conflicts of interest. 

Lead Counsel: Position Overview

The Lead Counsel will provide in-house counsel to the OIG. The attorney will work with and advise senior leadership, supervisors and staff c