Assistant Attorney General

Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Bureau

Appeals Division

The Attorney General’s Office is looking for a highly motivated individual with a commitment to public service to serve in the Appeals Division of the Criminal Bureau. The Appeals Division defends Massachusetts convictions, criminal justice officials, and criminal laws and practices in state and federal courts. Specifically, the Division strives to uphold convictions secured by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) when they are challenged in the Massachusetts Trial Court, Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. It also responds to all challenges in federal court to convictions obtained by the AGO and the District Attorneys’ Offices, whether through habeas corpus actions, direct appeals, or otherwise. Additionally, the Division represents Massachusetts agencies and officials when they are sued or subpoenaed in relation to criminal justice matters.

Primary Duties: An Assistant Attorney General in the Appeals Division handles a large caseload of criminal and civil matters, routinely appearing in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Such matters include: appeals and post-conviction matters in the Superior, Appeals, and Supreme Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth in connection with criminal cases prosecuted at the trial level by Assistant Attorneys General; federal habeas corpus actions in the United States District Court challenging Massachusetts convictions; appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from the grant or denial of habeas corpus relief; the representation of judges, clerks, probation officers, prosecutors, and other officials and agencies when they are sued civilly or subpoenaed to provide documents or testimony based on official actions undertaken during the criminal justice process; and the defense of statutes, rules, practices, and procedures concerning all aspects of the criminal justice system when they are challenged on constitutional or other grounds. Such an individual also contributes to criminal investigations, trial teams, policy initiatives, and amicus activity.

Position Requirements: Applicants must be practicing attorneys who are admitted to the Massachusetts bar; have obtained or be eligible for admission to the bar of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; possess the ability to handle a large, varied caseload and complex cases; have relevant experience (preferably three or more years) and a strong interest in appellate practice or other litigation, having heavy emphasis on written and oral advocacy, and in civil litigation and discovery practice; and be committed to the ethical practice of law. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Location: This position is typically based in Boston but may be based in one of our regional offices, located in New Bedford, Springfield, or Worcester, where such an arrangement is mutually beneficial for the AGO and the attorney.

Position Type:Full-Time/Exempt. Our current hybrid model includes some remote workdays for most positions.

Salary: $84,134 to $125,572, commensurate with JD year.

Application Process: To apply for this position, visit the AGO website’s jobs portal at www.mass.gov/ago/employment to register and create a profile, upload your cover letter and resume, and submit an application. Candidates may only apply directly using the AGO’s online Employment and Recruitment jobs portal. The application deadline for this posting is January 9, 2025.