Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

_PURPOSE OF THE JOB_ To provide day-to-day legal advice, representation, and support to the Cannabis Control Commission and its staff on complex legal, business, operations, and regulatory issues. The General Counsel will supervise and manage the Commission's Legal Department and any outside counsel on matters including, but not limited to, labor and employment-related matters; contracts and procurement; litigation and claims; public records; open meeting law; and ethics. The General Counsel is also expected to play a key role in drafting, promulgating, and enforcing regulations. _ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES_ · Provide legal counsel and guidance to the Cannabis Control Commission on various legal issues, including regulatory compliance, licensing, enforcement, and administrative law. · Review and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with state and federal laws governing the cannabis industry. · Collaborate with external legal counsel, government agencies, and other stakeholders on legal matters as needed. · Fostering the principles of the Commission's Mission Statement among the staff and all stakeholders. · Managing the activities of the Legal Department, including supervision of any · professional, paralegal, and support personnel. · Providing legal advice and counsel to the Executive Director and Commission to support daily operations and strategic initiatives. · Supervising and handling claims, suits, and potential legal actions by and against the Commission, assuring timely and effective handling of each matter. · Assisting in the review, drafting, and promulgation of regulations. · Serving as counsel to Commissioners and staff during the administrative hearing process. · Oversee and supervise public records retention, release, access, and, when appropriate, destruction, consistent with the Public Records Law. · Overseeing procurement processes with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer. · Managing budget and outside counsel engagements. · Drafting, interpreting, and negotiating various employment, business, and interagency agreements and reviewing contracts and other instruments for execution. · Attending and representing the Commission at public meetings, hearings, and other appearances.Assist the Executive Director and Chief People Officer in establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures. · Stay updated with changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the cannabis industry, and provide recommendations on necessary updates to Commission policies and procedures. · Provide legal training and guidance to staff members to ensure understanding and compliance with legal requirements, including, but not limited to, the Open Meeting Law and ethics laws, including any necessary disclosures. · Performing related duties as assigned. _KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS_ · Excellent written and oral communication skills. · Proven problem-solving skills and sound judgment. · Knowledge of the cannabis regulatory environment. · Ability to conduct comprehensive legal research, including analyzing legal precedent and applying it to factual circumstances. · Ability to manage and prioritize a high-volume workload. · Ability to manage and mentor legal and support personnel. · Ability to present clear, concise, and correct legal arguments. · Ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information. · Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. · Ability to work independently, productively, and creatively in an evolving environment. · Ability to meet expectations and is accountable for their work. · Commitment to building constructive working relationships. · Ability to resolve disputes with external stakeholders promptly. · Must demonstrate proficiency with computers and MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). · Willingness to learn state and Commission-specific electronic systems, including MS Dynamics, MassCIP, and MMJOS. · Ability to work out of the Worcester headquarters and willingness to travel throughout the Commonwealth when necessary. _EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE_ · Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and a member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar. · Minimum eight (8) years of experience practicing law or compliance experience, preferably in the public sector. Verifiable management experience, including at least five (5) years of supervisory experience. · Knowledge of the Commission’s mission, standards, and goals. · Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. · Federal practice experience preferred. · Experience or familiarity with state agencies, especially state commissions. · Experience in civil or criminal litigation. · Experience in managing large caseloads. · Experience in administrative law and litigation. · Knowledge and understanding of the administrative adjudicatory hearing process, MGL Ch. 30A in particular; and · Experience in a regulatory agency. · Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Salary Range: $140,000 - $155,00 Benefits Package: The Commission is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables. Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process. This position is non-civil service. This position is a non-exempt position. The overall benefits available include: paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance, and optional pre-tax Health Savings Account plans. In addition, the Commission 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. The Commission employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service. Follow this link for additional retirement information:http://www.mass.gov/treasury/retirement/state-board-of-retire/. Commitment to Diversity: The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Notice of Required Background Check – Including Tax Compliance: The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment. Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such background check is not initiated until: 1. A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview, and 2. The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases. This background check includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Federal IRS and Department of Revenue state tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment. Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualification check. Those candidates invited to interview will be contacted by the Commission. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated high volume of applicants for this vacancy, we are unable to provide status updates to specific individuals. Job: Legal Services* *Organization: Cannabis Control Commission *Title: *General Counsel Location: Massachusetts-Worcester-2 Washington Square Requisition ID: 2400062D