Counsel III

The Division of Banks is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Counsel III.  The Counsel III is a senior-level attorney responsible for providing legal support services to the agency’s supervision units and leading regulatory enforcement matters that protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the Commonwealth’s financial services marketplace. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role serves as a key Legal partner to supervision, enforcement, and consumer assistance functions, helping translate examination findings and consumer complaints into effective legal and enforcement outcomes. 

The Counsel III serves as a technical expert, providing advanced and specialized expertise in a specific area of law, and leads the development and negotiation of enforcement actions, may act as prosecuting counsel in administrative proceedings, and provides strategic legal guidance across the Division. Working closely with the investigative and examination teams, this role ensures that regulatory actions are legally sound, consistent, and aligned with the Division’s broader supervisory priorities  The Counsel III also provides consultative advice, insight, and recommendations on legal issues to assist agency management decision making and to ensure compliance with agency, state and federal laws and regulations. 

Responsibilities

As a Counsel III, you can expect to:

• Provide legal support services to the Division of Banks’ supervision and field examination staff.
• Lead regulatory enforcement matters from investigation through resolution, including drafting charges, negotiating consent agreements, and presenting cases at administrative hearings.
• Provide strategic legal advice to examination and consumer assistance staff on complex regulatory and enforcement matters.
• May act as prosecuting counsel in administrative/adjudicatory hearings.

Primary Duties:

• Provide legal guidance to senior management, investigative and examination staff, and consumer assistance on regulatory findings, complaints, and statutory interpretation.  
• Lead enforcement matters from investigation through resolution, including drafting charges, developing negotiated resolutions, and representing the Division in administrative hearings.  
• Draft and review enforcement orders, consent agreements, and other legal actions in coordination with supervisory divisions.  
• Coordinate closely with examination teams to develop legally sound cases.  
• May serve as prosecuting counsel in administrative/adjudicatory proceedings.
• Interface with external counsel and regulated entities throughout the enforcement process.  
• Responsible for drafting of regulatory approvals, reviewing applications submitted for regulatory action, researching and drafting formal and informal legal opinions, and responding to the legal inquiries received by the Division.
• Respond to legal and regulatory inquiries from the public, industry stakeholders and ensure consistent interpretation of statutes and regulations.  
• Collaborate with state and federal regulators and law enforcement on enforcement actions and related legal matters.  
• Represent the Division in administrative proceedings related to licensing and regulatory actions.  
• Provide guidance to junior attorneys and multidisciplinary teams, including examiners interpretation of Division policies or application of statutes, regulations, rules, and regulatory bulletins.

Requirements/Skills Needed

Preferred Qualifications:

We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the job qualifications.

• Extensive knowledge of Massachusetts and federal banking law and regulatory frameworks.
• Extensive state and or federal litigation experience and knowledge of the state law governing administrative hearings.
• Familiarity with administrative and commercial law principles as applied to financial institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal issues and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to interact effectively with senior leadership and external stakeholders, including in high-conflict situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate the Division’s legal positions.

The filling of this position is subject to appropriation and obtainment of all necessary approvals from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. The Division reserves the right not to fill this position without notice. This position will report to the General Counsel within the Legal Unit.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar Association, and at least (A) six years of full-time, or equivalent part time, professional experience in the practice of law in a specialized area that is relevant to the assigned agency.  Based on assignment and supervisory responsibilities, three years in a supervisory capacity may be required. 

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

How to Apply

Apply here: Job Description - Counsel III (260003GW)