Legal Advisor

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Boston Law Department seeks an experienced attorney to serve as the Legal Advisor to the Boston Public Schools. This role provides legal counsel to the Superintendent, the School Committee, and staff, while leading the Office of the Legal Advisor. The office handles a wide variety of matters, including advising on operations, litigating employment, civil rights, and torts cases, handling educational plan appeals, and negotiating contracts. The Legal Advisor reports to the Corporation Counsel and works closely with senior BPS officials. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Advise BPS leadership on legal matters including employment, contracts, procurement, school law, and real property - Advise on drafting new policies and responding to changing legal, technological, or practical conditions - Supervise an office of eight attorneys, paralegals, and staff in litigation, contract review, and advising - Provide direct support for high-profile negotiations, procurements, and RFPs, and enforce contract terms - Appear in federal and state courts on behalf of the City of Boston for high-priority cases - Participate in developing strategies for motions, trials, and settlements - Review and provide feedback on written work by attorneys - Oversee public records requests, subpoenas, student record requests, and discovery matters - Implement standard contract and litigation processes to ensure compliance in spending public funds - Conduct annual performance evaluations of direct reports MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor degree - At least 9 years of experience as a lawyer in a law firm or government legal office - Significant civil litigation experience, including discovery and trial work - Admission to the Massachusetts Bar and current active registration status with the Board of Bar Overseers - Ability to organize, manage, and supervise litigation matters and a staff of attorneys - Strong interpersonal and communication skills with accuracy and attention to detail SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Boston residency is required - Experience in education, employment, or government law is preferred - Must be able to work a hybrid schedule SELECTION PROCESS - Not specified in the provided job description HOW TO APPLY - Apply through the City of Boston online application portal - For inquiries, contact Kristen Coveney at kristen.coveney@boston.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Boston, Law Department - Req ID: 2026-31974 - Position Type: Regular Full-Time, Non-Union/MM2-15 - Hours per week: 35 - Schedule: Hybrid - Posting End Date: November 29, 2026 - The City of Boston is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment