Associate Town Counsel

Are you a seasoned attorney passionate about public service and employment law? The Town of Brookline is seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Town Counsel to join our Legal Department. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide legal counsel on a broad range of municipal matters and to work closely with elected and appointed officials, department heads, boards, commissions, and staff in a collaborative and high-performing environment.

As Associate Town Counsel, you will advise Town leadership on a wide variety of legal issues, including municipal governance, procurement and contracting, public records and open meeting law compliance, land use and regulatory matters, litigation management, risk assessment, and policy development. The successful candidate will help advance the Town's mission by providing practical, strategic, and timely legal advice in support of municipal operations and public service.

Why Brookline?

The Town of Brookline offers a competitive starting salary range of $120,223 - $126,758 along with a flexible hybrid work schedule that promotes work-life balance. As a municipal employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, plus four weeks of paid vacation annually. Brookline is committed to the professional growth of its employees, offering access to continuing legal education and other development opportunities. With its dynamic and supportive work environment, Brookline is an ideal place to build a meaningful and rewarding legal career in public service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to Town departments, boards, commissions, committees, and senior leadership on municipal operations and governance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, intergovernmental agreements, licenses, permits, policies, bylaws, regulations, and other legal documents.
• Advise on compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including public records, open meeting law, procurement, ethics, administrative, and municipal finance requirements.
• Represent the Town before administrative agencies, regulatory bodies, and state and federal courts, either directly or through coordination with outside counsel.
• Attend and provide legal counsel at public meetings, including meetings of the Select Board, Advisory Committee, Town Meeting, and other boards and commissions.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written opinions, memoranda, resolutions, and legislative proposals.
• Assist departments with risk management, claims resolution, and dispute avoidance strategies.
• Support special projects involving land use, zoning, licensing, environmental, housing, public construction, public safety, and other municipal matters, as assigned.
• Monitor developments in municipal law and provide guidance regarding emerging legal issues affecting local government.
• Perform other related legal duties as assigned by the Town Counsel.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably including experience in municipal law, government law, litigation, administrative law, land use, procurement, contracts, or related public-sector legal practice.

Licensure

• Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar.
• Must be eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit within 90 days of appointment.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills

The ideal candidate will possess a strong working knowledge of Massachusetts municipal law and local government operations. Familiarity with public records law, open meeting law, procurement law, land use and zoning, ethics requirements, administrative law, and litigation management is highly desirable.

Success in this role requires exceptional analytical, oral, and written communication skills, sound legal judgment, and the ability to provide practical solutions to complex legal issues. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with elected officials, department leaders, boards and commissions, Town employees, outside counsel, and members of the public. The ability to manage multiple priorities while handling sensitive and high-profile matters with discretion and professionalism is essential.

Apply Now:

If you're ready to help shape the future of public service in one of Massachusetts' most vibrant and community-focused municipalities please apply today with your confidential letter of interest and resume.

Applications received by November 30, 2026 will be prioritized for consideration.