Law

We provide comprehensive legal services to the Mayor, City Council, and City departments, advising them on their official roles in city government through legal opinions and contract reviews, and represent and defend the city's interests in all legal matters.

We do not represent the general public.

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Keep in Mind:

For questions in regards to tax title payments, tax title balances, or inquiries into the application of previous tax payments, please contact the Collector-Treasurer’s Office at 617-635-4131 or collecting@boston.gov. Please note: All requests for Instruments of Tax Title Redemption should be directed to the Collector-Treasurer’s Office.

submitting documents

We ask that those seeking to contact or submit documents to the Claims Division and Tax Title Division of the Law Department please do so by mail, email, fax, or telephone only. If you are submitting a new claim, you must do so in hard-copy, preferably by mail. For information on how to file a claim please click here. If you are submitting documents on an existing claim, you may do so by email or fax.

If you must submit a document in person, an appointment is required.

Email for tax title and claims: law@boston.gov
Phone: 617-635-4034
Fax: 617-635-3199

Contact

617-635-4034
send an email
1 City Hall Square
Room 615

Boston, MA 02201
United States
Office hours

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Career Opportunities

Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Public Facilities Department

Overview:

This position is for the Legal Advisor's Office to the Public Facilities Department and Commission. To learn more about this role, please see the following link: PFD/PFC Senior ACC III

The City of Boston seeks a Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel III (“ACC”) to represent the City, its officials, and its departments. The Senior ACC III will advise City leaders on a variety of municipal law matters; represent the City in civil actions, arbitrations, administrative hearings, mediations, and negotiations; investigate claims and complaints by or against the City and recommend actions to be taken; draft ordinances; conduct negotiations with third parties; and perform other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

Mentors attorneys (ACC I, II) in the conduct of their litigation, contract review, contract negotiation, departmental advising, and related work.
Manages a caseload and represents the City of Boston in all cases as assigned, in state and federal court, administrative proceedings, and other venues.
Provides representation in matters which may include, but are not limited to: personal injury and other torts, employment discrimination, civil rights claims, contract disputes, special education litigation, licensing appeals, and employee and student discipline appeals.
Advises the City on myriad issues impacting government entities, including policy matters, procurement, open meeting laws, public records law, state and federal student confidentiality laws, and state conflict of interest laws.
Performs legal research, writes legal opinions, and reviews and assists in the drafting of contracts, memoranda, ordinances, and other documents.
Performs specialized municipal law functions, including research, analysis, advising, and litigation in areas such as workers’ compensation, tax lien foreclosures, public construction, public education, and others.
Performs related work as directed.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate.
Four plus (4+) years of experience as a lawyer in a law firm or within a government agency.
Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record.
Supervisory legal experience preferred.
Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
Excellent, clear, and effective writing and organizational skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Highly motivated self-starter.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Westlaw, and Social Law Library.
Reports directly to a First Assistant Corporation Counsel or Legal Advisor.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-13

Salary Range: 126,972.96-159,190.89

Hours per week: 35

Apply for this job

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.

Assistant Corporation Counsel I - Inspectional Services Department

OvervieW

The City of Boston Law Department provides legal services to the Mayor, City Council, and City departments regarding their official capacities within the City government. Our office has been in continuous existence for 180 years and under the sole authority of the Corporation Counsel for 125 years. The Corporation Counsel has supervisory authority over all City attorneys and legal affairs and is responsible for all litigation to which the City of Boston is a party.

The City of Boston seeks an Assistant Corporation Counsel to represent the City, Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, and Boston Public Schools before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. The incumbent will perform legal research, draft and review ordinances, and prepare opinions on legal issues in civil actions, arbitrations, administrative hearings, mediations, and other negotiations.

Responsibilities

Provides in-house counsel representation and legal support to the City, Boston Fire Department (BFD), Boston Public Schools (BPS), and Boston Police Department (BPD).
Responsible for managing a caseload and representing the City, BPS, BPD, and BFD in all cases as assigned.
Conduct all court proceedings on behalf of the City, BPS, BPD, and BFD.
Responsible for the preparation, arraignments, and jury and non-jury trials and hearings in state and federal courts, both at the trial and appellate levels.
Review and draft ordinances.
Perform legal research and render opinions to City officials.
Responsible for ordinance drafting, litigation, advice on municipal law matters, negotiation, procurement, public records law, and other assignments.
Responds promptly and appropriately to requests for assistance on additional projects.
Receptive to new ideas and responsive to changing conditions and departmental needs.
Performs related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

Juris Doctor required.
Up to two (2) years of experience as a lawyer in a law firm or governmental legal office.
Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Highly motivated self-starter.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Westlaw, and Social Law Library.
Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-9

Salary: $90,974.15 - $128,696.83 Annually

Hours per week: 35

Apply Here

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.

Boston Public Schools Special Education Attorney

Overview:

Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. BPS serves over 48,000 children in over 100 schools. BPS enrolls almost 11,000 students with disabilities, with 3,000 of the students identified as English Learner students (ELs). We fundamentally believe that schools are the unit of change where our school leadership teams and educators create rigorous, supportive, and safe environments for every child to reach their full potential. Our work as a district is to ensure this is possible at every one of our schools. BPS seeks to provide equitable opportunities for all students, fostering engagement in innovative, high-quality instruction within the least restrictive environment tailored to meet the student's individual needs.

BPS is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation in special education law and related matters. The Special Education Attorney will provide expert legal counsel and representation to BPS on all matters related to special education law, policy, and compliance. This role is an attorney position reporting to the BPS Legal Advisor.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the BPS Legal Advisor, the attorney’s responsibilities will include:

Provide legal advice and guidance to BPS administrators, departments, educators, and staff on special education issues, including student rights, eligibility, evaluations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and plans, Section 504 programs and plans, disciplinary actions, and due process procedures.
Represent BPS in meetings, administrative hearings, mediations, and judicial proceedings related to special education.
Support the BPS’s Problem Resolution System (PRS) Team in responding to PRS complaints filed with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Keep abreast of changes to special education law and policies, and lead internal BPS policy updates, training, and implementation.
Support BPS personnel in responding to and conducting investigations concerning Title IX, bias-based conduct, and related matters.
Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including settlement agreements, legal memoranda, and hearing briefs.
Work collaboratively with other attorneys, outside counsel, administrators, educators, families, and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality special education services to all students.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications - Required:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record.
Minimum of 3 years practicing special education law, preferably in a school district in Massachusetts or similar setting.
Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and case law.
Excellent legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Highly motivated self-starter.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education.

Qualifications - Preferred:

Experience working in or with educational institutions, school districts, or governmental agencies.
Fluency in a language other than English.
Proficient with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Westlaw, and Social Law Library.

Terms: Managerial, E81.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at accommodations@bostonpublicschools.org.

Position Type: Central Office

Salary: up to $165,171 1.0 FTE

Job Categories:

Administration > Director/Coordinator/Manager

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