About the Organization:

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is a state agency within the Executive Office of Economic Development and is responsible for protecting consumers through advocacy and education. The Office of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that the businesses our agencies regulate treat all Massachusetts consumers fairly. The Division of Banks ("DOB"), Division of Insurance ("DOI"), Division of Occupational Licensure ("DOL"), Division of Standards ("DOS"), and Department of Telecommunications and Cable ("DTC") all fall under the OCABR umbrella and help us to fulfill our critical mission of building better businesses and smarter consumers.

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Office or Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role:

The Legal Counsel will work closely under the supervision of the General Counsel and with members of the Home Improvement Contractor (“HIC") Hearing Officers to administer the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation’s HIC Program complaint process. The Legal Counsel will assist in the preparation, scheduling, and conduct of hearings. The Legal Counsel will conduct a small number of complaint hearings.  The Legal Counsel will support the legal and regulatory functions of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation organization by assisting with legal compliance audits, reviewing legal documents, managing enforcement and legal consumer related processes, responding to public record requests, working with the Attorney General’s Office on appealed decisions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

HIC Complaints

• Collect, process and make eligibility determinations on formal complaints made against Home Improvement Contractors registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
• Ensure completeness of complaint files before providing to the Hearing Officer.
• Work with Hearing Officer, complainants and contractors to schedule hearings.
• Send Hearing Officer determinations to parties when ready.
• Maintain complaint and determination records and support enforcement efforts if necessary.
• Produce relevant reports on HIC Complaints, including number of complaints; time to resolution; and determinations.
• Identify cases that could be resolved via settlement/consent agreements and support the drafting, review, execution, and tracking of consent agreements.
• Track disciplinary actions, including administrative fines, to ensure compliance deadlines are being met.
• Track cases that have been appealed and provide all necessary information to the Attorney General’s Office to allow for adequate representation by them.

Other OCABR Programs

• Assist the General Counsel to develop, implement, and maintain procedures and guidelines to support OCABR’s goals, including those related to the Home Improvement Contractor program.
• Support the administration of OCABR’s legal unit by maintaining organized legal files and databases, performing policy, legal and regulatory research, and responding promptly to internal requests.
• Assist with legal audits by reviewing documentation, analyzing statements and disclosures, and assessing accuracy and consistency of information.
• Read, analyze, and summarize written statements, affidavits, consent agreements, and other legal or investigatory materials.
• Draft reports, letters, and memoranda on behalf of the General Counsel and the legal unit.
• Manage fine follow-up and enforcement-related processes, including tracking outstanding fines, coordinating communications, and maintaining accurate records.
• Review and interpret statutes, regulations, policies, and guidance documents to support compliance and enforcement activities.
• Respond to inquiries from consumers, businesses, attorneys, homeowners, and contractors in a professional and timely manner.
• Process and respond to Public Records Requests (PRRs) in accordance with applicable public records laws and agency procedures.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to support legal, regulatory, and enforcement initiatives.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of databases similar to databases used by OCABR’s HIC Program.
• Knowledge of the methods of general report writing and legal writing, including memoranda, legal decisions, and consent agreements.  
• Ability to produce general and legal reports upon request related to HIC Complaints.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, laws, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing HIC Complaints.
• Ability to gather information/evidence by examining records and documents and by questioning individuals.
• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures, including ensuring that cases have adequate evidence for a hearing.
• Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, including maintaining such information in accordance with applicable record retention schedules.
• Ability to write concisely; to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner, including explaining legal processes and procedures to non-attorneys.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to establish rapport with others.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment with guidance from the General Counsel.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information with guidance from the General Counsel.
• Ability to learn the use of databases, applications and platforms.

All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

SALARY PLACEMENT IS DETERMINED BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSITION AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION’S RECRUITING GUIDELINES. IN THE CASE OF A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, THE SALARY PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL APPLY TO (OR WILL BE UTILIZED FOR) PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SALARY RANGE.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.