Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Public Records Staff Attorney
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Public Records Staff Attorney (2500087N)
The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a Staff Attorney for its Public Records Division. The Division administers the Massachusetts Public Records Law, processes appeals, responds to inquiries, and provides training on the law. The Staff Attorney will work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, supporting the Supervisor and the Division in administering the state law.
Representative Tasks
Performs complex legal research involving state and federal case‑law, statutes, regulations, Attorney General Opinions, Executive Orders, and prior Supervisor determinations.
Reviews appeals from public‑records requesters denied access to government records.
Drafts administrative determinations on Public Records Law issues including privacy, police records, settlement agreements, and government contracts.
Responds to inquiries from records custodians, requesters, and the general public regarding the Public Records Law.
Provides legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression.
Conducts trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested.
Provides general legal support for the Division, including the Commissions Section.
Travels in‑state as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to communicate timely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Strong legal writing skills.
Law Review or Journal experience preferred.
Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner.
About the Office The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office comprises 23 departments across 19 locations throughout Massachusetts. As the third‑ranking constitutional officer in the Commonwealth, the Secretary serves as chief election officer, chief information officer, and chief securities regulator. The office also registers business entities and lobbyists, distributes grants for historic preservation, safeguards the state’s public records and artifacts, and more.
Statement of Diversity and Anti-Discrimination The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply. The Office provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Disability Accommodation Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact ADA Coordinator Rebecca Murray at 617‑878‑3107 or accommodations@sec.state.ma.us.
COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirement for Employment Successful applicants must have received COVID‑19 vaccination or an approved exemption by their start date. Documentation of medical contraindication or sincerely held religious belief may be requested for exemption.
Total Compensation
75% state‑paid medical insurance premium
Dental and vision plans
Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
Low‑cost basic and optional life insurance
State Employees’ Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
12 paid holidays per year and sick, vacation, and personal time
Tuition benefits for employees at state colleges and universities
Short‑Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
Incentive‑based wellness programs
Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar preferred, but recent graduates will be considered.
Job Details Primary Location: Massachusetts
Job Function: Legal Services
Agency: Secretary of State
Schedule: Full‑time
Shift: Day
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: $62,500.00 per year
For diversity, affirmative action, or equal employment opportunity questions or for a reasonable accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer/ADA Coordinator Rebecca Murray at 617‑878‑3107.
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Representative Tasks
Performs complex legal research involving state and federal case‑law, statutes, regulations, Attorney General Opinions, Executive Orders, and prior Supervisor determinations.
Reviews appeals from public‑records requesters denied access to government records.
Drafts administrative determinations on Public Records Law issues including privacy, police records, settlement agreements, and government contracts.
Responds to inquiries from records custodians, requesters, and the general public regarding the Public Records Law.
Provides legal advice to the Supervisor on matters of first impression.
Conducts trainings for municipal and agency records access officers and others as requested.
Provides general legal support for the Division, including the Commissions Section.
Travels in‑state as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to communicate timely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Strong legal writing skills.
Law Review or Journal experience preferred.
Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to handle confidential material in a discreet and professional manner.
About the Office The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office comprises 23 departments across 19 locations throughout Massachusetts. As the third‑ranking constitutional officer in the Commonwealth, the Secretary serves as chief election officer, chief information officer, and chief securities regulator. The office also registers business entities and lobbyists, distributes grants for historic preservation, safeguards the state’s public records and artifacts, and more.
Statement of Diversity and Anti-Discrimination The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply. The Office provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Disability Accommodation Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact ADA Coordinator Rebecca Murray at 617‑878‑3107 or accommodations@sec.state.ma.us.
COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirement for Employment Successful applicants must have received COVID‑19 vaccination or an approved exemption by their start date. Documentation of medical contraindication or sincerely held religious belief may be requested for exemption.
Total Compensation
75% state‑paid medical insurance premium
Dental and vision plans
Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
Low‑cost basic and optional life insurance
State Employees’ Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
12 paid holidays per year and sick, vacation, and personal time
Tuition benefits for employees at state colleges and universities
Short‑Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
Incentive‑based wellness programs
Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar preferred, but recent graduates will be considered.
Job Details Primary Location: Massachusetts
Job Function: Legal Services
Agency: Secretary of State
Schedule: Full‑time
Shift: Day
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: $62,500.00 per year
For diversity, affirmative action, or equal employment opportunity questions or for a reasonable accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer/ADA Coordinator Rebecca Murray at 617‑878‑3107.
#J-18808-Ljbffr