Job Information
State of Massachusetts Paralegal, Office of the General Counsel in Boston, Massachusetts
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 ยง 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 atWelcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov. The OIG's enabling statute is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws. Further details may be found atChapter 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. Paralegal: Position Overview The paralegal will take a lead role in managing the OIG's e-discovery platform and will assist staff across all OIG divisions with document review and production. The paralegal will also work closely with attorneys and administrative staff in the OGC by providing clerical and research support, drafting and editing legal documents and correspondence, and coordinating service of process. The paralegal will collaborate with external parties as necessary. Responsibilities Include but are not limited to: * Assist OIG investigators and attorneys with document review, including uploading, organizing, searching, and coding documents in the OIG's e-discovery platform. * Respond to questions about the OIG's e-discovery platform from OIG employees and external parties and troubleshoot issues. * Serve as the OIG's liaison to the e-discovery vendor and coordinate periodic e-discovery trainings for OIG employees. * Meet with OIG attorneys, investigators, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects. * Prepare, organize, store, and retrieve case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, transcripts, pleadings, and other items. * Collect and organize electronically stored information (ESI), such as emails, documents, and social media posts. * Draft, review, and edit summonses and other legal documents, including routine pleadings, motions, and affidavits; file motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures. * Research and analyze statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provide written analysis to attorneys. * Help attorneys prepare court appearances, which may include attending trails and hearings. Key Abilities, Skills, and Experience: * Experience with e-discovery and common e-discovery platforms. * Understanding of legal principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. * Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Ability to function well in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment. * Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and good judgement. Preferred Abilities, Skills, and Experience include: * Proficient with Everlaw and Microsoft Office Suite. * Experience conducting investigations. * Knowledge of state and municipal government. Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 Other Position Information: *Full time/Exempt *Hybrid Work Schedule: The Office of the Inspector General offers a hybrid work schedule. Under this policy, employees may request one of the following weekly hybrid schedules: 1) four days telework and one-day on-site; 2) three days telework and two days on-site; 3) two days telework and three days on-site; or 4) one day telework and four days on-site. The on-site location is at the OIG's Boston office and employees may work remotely the remainder of the time at a location approved by their supervisor, so long as they comply with the requirements of the Hybrid Work policy. Employees will be assigned to their on-site workspace based on their approved schedule. The approved telework location must be located within Massachusetts or within an approximately two-hour driving or train commute distance. The OIG does not reimburse employees for travel to the office. In addition, the successful candidate may be required to work primarily on-site in Boston during the initial training and orientation period. For certain positions, a primarily on-site role may be necessary. Benefits: We value our employees and offer benefits that support their lives and well-being, while promoting an environment focused on inclusion, flexibility, professional growth, trust and respect. The OIG therefore is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position, hours worked per week and other variables. Consequently, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process. The overall benefits available include paid vacation; sick and personal leave time; health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission; and optional pre-tax health savings account plans. To view the details of the various plans and the cost split between employer and employee, go to theGroup Insurance Commission Website. Employees also participate in the Commonwealth's state retirement plan, which may become a defined benefit plan for those who both vest and subsequently retire from state service. For more information, visit theMassachusetts State Retirement Board Website. In addition, the OIG provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs. This position may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program administered by the federal government. How to Apply Submit cover letter, writing sample and resume via email by Friday, February 28, 2025 Sarah Hoover, Director of Human Resources & Recruitment Office of the Inspector General igo-employment@mass.gov Diversity and Inclusion Statement * Diversity Officer: Sarah Hoover The Office of the Inspector General is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. The OIG does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. The OIG promotes access, inclusion and diversity for all staff, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding working environment and in keeping with its mission. The OIG actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce and is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Job: Legal Services *Organization: Office of the Inspector General *Title: *Paralegal, Office of the General Counsel Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place Requisition ID: 250000SW