Licensure Counsel I

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.  

The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), Commissioner, and DESE staff on issues of education law, policy, and administration; works with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and oversees the Office of Professional Practice Investigations (OPPI).  The Legal Office works together with all policy units to implement DESE’s Educational Vision (https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/vision/), which provides:

Our educational vision document describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s aspiration – our vision – for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved.

The Licensure Counsel I position in the Legal Office will join the OPPI team of lawyers and investigators who investigate alleged misconduct by applicants for licensure and licensees. Lawyers will prosecute these cases in administrative adjudicatory hearings, negotiate settlements, and carry out other related duties. 

The Licensure Counsel I reports to a Licensure Counsel III and works closely with the Deputy General Counsel and the Associate Commissioner of Investigations. The Licensure Counsel I investigates alleged misconduct by licensed educators and applicants for a Massachusetts Educator License; evaluates the evidence and circumstances of the alleged misconduct; prepares memoranda regarding relevant facts, applicable law, and disciplinary options; and represents Educator Licensure and OPPI in administrative adjudicatory proceedings before the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, including the Division of Administrative Law Appeals. The Licensure Counsel I also assists in providing guidance to school and district leaders in the areas of student protection and educator development, consistent with DESE regulations and applicable federal and state laws. 

The selected candidate will perform the following duties: 

• in conjunction with the Associate Commissioner of Investigations and the OPPI team, investigate and evaluate allegations of misconduct by licensed educators; determine whether an investigatory subpoena is necessary; interview witnesses; gather and review available evidence; research applicable law and consult with relevant experts; and coordinate with school districts and law enforcement agencies, investigatory and prosecutorial staff of the Attorney General and District Attorneys' Offices, and investigators from other jurisdictions and agencies relating to educator discipline; 

• prepare legal memoranda to the Commissioner or their designee outlining recommendations, the underlying reasons for recommendations, the applicable law, and any other relevant details; 

• prepare letters to show cause and notices of probable cause; 

• represent Educator Licensure, OPPI, and DESE in adjudicatory hearings before the Commissioner or their designee, including the Division of Administrative Law Appeals; manage all phases of litigation including determining a reliable and appropriate legal basis and strategy to be used in bringing cases to resolution, determining which evidence and witnesses to present at hearing, preparing witnesses for testifying, researching and drafting motions and other documents related to litigation, negotiating with opposing counsel, and presenting DESE's case at hearing. In an informed and competent manner: present the relevant evidence and testimony; effectively advocate; and draft pleadings, motions, and memoranda; 

• collaborate with colleagues to formulate recommendations for the Commissioner regarding policies, legislative changes, and regulatory changes; make recommendations concerning best professional practices to protect students and to evaluate and investigate educator misconduct; 

• manage caseload with appropriate supervision in an efficient and effective manner, appropriately prioritizing work and meeting deadlines; 

• meet regularly with other Legal Office and OPPI staff; 

• provide recommendations on the course of action to be taken with regard to licensure matters to the General Counsel or her designee; 

• assist in developing materials to guide school districts in investigating incidents of misconduct; 

• represent the Commissioner and General Counsel at statewide and national meetings as needed; 

• communicate and coordinate as necessary with other agencies including various District Attorneys' offices, the Attorney General's Office, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Office of Inspector General and the Office of State Auditor, the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); 

• perform other duties as assigned; and 

• Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required for investigative interviews, court appearances, and other court and investigative matters. 

Preferred Qualifications 

The qualified candidate will possess: 

• one (1) or more years of experience practicing law; 

• excellent analytical, legal research and writing skills; 

• experience in the practice of law, ideally including some experience with administrative adjudicatory hearings, prosecuting and trying criminal cases, or license revocation cases; 

• strong interpersonal skills, including ability to establish rapport, motivate, and maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds; 

• ability to understand, apply, and explain to non-lawyers the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing educator misconduct investigations; 

• ability to process and assimilate detailed factual information presented orally or in writing; 

• ability to understand the context for and implications of individual licensure matter and to exercise sound judgment; 

• excellent communication skills, orally and in writing, including ability to write and present clear, detailed reports as required; 

• ability to strategize and work with others to solve problems; 

• ability to handle matters with mature judgment and discretion; 

• strong organizational skills, including ability to manage assigned tasks and meet deadlines; 

• ability to work with confidential information and maintain the highest level of confidentiality; 

• ability to effectively manage caseload of licensure matters while balancing multiple and competing priorities; 

• general knowledge of state and federal education laws and the culture, organization, and structures of public schools and districts; and 

• strong computer skills and fluency with Microsoft Word. 

Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application. 

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov 

This is a hybrid, full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA. This position is currently expected to work in-person three days per week. Travel around Massachusetts may be required.