ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Legal Advisor/Special Assistant City Solicitor will report directly to the Police Commissioner and City Solicitor. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of police operations, and the legal knowledge required to advise the Police Department and its employees on a broad range of issues including but not limited to questions relating to public records law, arrest, search and seizure, interrogation and evidentiary matters as well as ensuring that the newly established Body Worn Camera (BWC) Unit meets relevant legal and procedural standards. Performs legal research, drafts legal memoranda and assists the City Solicitor’s Office in rendering advisory opinions.
Specific duties include but are not limited to:
Advise Police Department personnel with respect to public records requests related to the CPD; including but not limited to public records requests related to Body Worn and Public Safety Cameras.
In collaboration with the BWC Unit, CPD Records Division, and any other relevant divisions/units/departments, ensure timely and appropriate responses to all record requests related to the Police Department pursuant to the Public Records Law, other agencies’ records requests, court orders or subpoenas.
Provide assistance and guidance to Police Department personnel with reviewing, redacting and/or withholding exempt or privileged information from records request responses and requests from the media.
Work in coordination with the City’s Public Records Access Officer in responding to requests pursuant to the Public Records Law and handling appeals pursuant to the Public Records Law.
Perform legal research and draft research memoranda or legal arguments at the direction of the City Solicitor’s Office.
At the direction of the City Solicitor’s Office provide litigation support. Participate in answering interrogatories and production of documents requests, depositions, motions, witness preparation, etc.
Review writs and other legal processes issued to officers and coordinate appropriate responses and address problems that may come to light by way of such process.
- In coordination with the City Solicitor’s Office advise the Police Commissioner and other Police Department staff on legislative or other legal issues of public concern to ensure an informed response to such issues.
- Keep abreast of new legislation and related legal developments, inform those with a need to know and propose or implement changes called for by such legislation.
- Provide training, in coordination with the City Solicitor’s Office to Police Department personnel as necessary.
- Review and/or assist in the preparation of sensitive news releases for the Police Department in coordination with the City Solicitor’s and Communication Offices.
- Be available off-hours to deal with emergency operational issues.
Additional responsibilities could include the following, based on the selected candidate’s skills and experience:
- Support the Department’s participation in the Department’s Transparency and the City’s open data portal.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctor (JD) from accredited law school.
Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice before Massachusetts state and federal courts.
Knowledge of Massachusetts and federal law required.
Familiarity with Massachusetts Public Records Law required.
At least three years practicing law.
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, languages, backgrounds, and ideologies.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Strong legal research, oral communication, and legal writing skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex information,
Must be highly motivated, reliable, and possess a positive, enthusiastic, and professional attitude.
Must have excellent organizational, records keeping, analytical and planning skills.
Ability to work as part of a diverse team, build collaborative relationships within teams across the organization, and provide excellent customer service.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (including but not limited to Word Outlook, and Excel), be comfortable with and can learn new software applications.
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
Ability to maintain strong attention to detail
PREFFERED REQUIREMENTS:
At least one year of experience in a role working with records or document management systems; electronic discovery; content management; or online portal software.
Experience with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, including drafting complex public records responses and appeals.
Experience with police departments or public safety highly desirable
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer. Sufficient mobility to travel throughout the City of Cambridge to various meetings and sites and ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard work environment. Fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors, and air conditioning. Requires attendance at meetings, including occasional evening meetings, at various locations throughout the City of Cambridge.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Please upload the following documents to complete your application: Resume Cover Letter
