The Office of the General Counsel represents the Sheriff’s Department in legal matters including, but not limited to those brought in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as state administrative agencies such as the Labor Relations Commission and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. It also reviews and drafts contracts involving the Department, including those for the procurement of goods and services in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30B. The Office of the General Counsel also represents the Sheriff in all arbitration proceedings.

James Davin was promoted to the position of General Counsel in February, 2006. He began his career with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in 1995 as an Assistant General Counsel. During his eleven-year tenure with the Department, he has handled labor, civil rights, negligence, contract and discrimination cases before state and federal trial courts. He has also appeared and argued successfully before the Massachusetts Appeals Court. As counsel for Employee Relations and Development from 1997 – 1999, James conducted labor negotiations and collective bargaining with the Department’s numerous union locals. He has provided counsel to the Sheriff and Department managers on compliance with internal policies and also with employment and labor law matters. In 2000, James was promoted to Deputy General Counsel, where he provided day-to-day supervision and guidance to Division attorneys and assumed administrative responsibilities in addition to maintaining his own caseload.

James earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stonehill College in 1987 and a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 1994.

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