Attorney Specialist

Position Number: 22178634

County: Pulaski

Anticipated Starting Salary: $62,530.83

Legal Services

Position Summary

The Attorney Specialist advises the ADWS Staff on any issue impacting programs and the administration of such programs. In addition to general attorney duties, this position is responsible for responding to FOIA requests, requests for records, and subpoenas.This Attorney Specialist must be familiar with redaction software and be responsible for the proper administration of all privacy policies, laws, and regulations which affect ADWS This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201. The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus three years of experience practicing law. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal laws.

• Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols.

• Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, state and federal statutes, legal precedents, and relevant legislative intent to agency legal matters.

• Ability to provide legal guidance and technical assistance to agency's management and staff.

• Ability to perform mediation / litigation. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of the administrative support staff.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

• Consult with General Counsel daily.

• Work at the direction of the GC

• Attend meetings with GC.

• Participate in policy discussions, aid in the formation of ADWS policy, and ensure conformity with federal law.

• Familiarize with applicable federal and state law, regulations/rules and procedures regarding privacy laws specific to ADWS programs, as well as the Arkansas FOIA.

• Develop guides for key events, including deadlines and mandated actions.

• Update GC on upcoming events to ensure timely response.

• Review legislation for rule making or updating, reporting, and procedural/policy change opportunities.

• Primary responsibility for gathering responsive documents, redaction of confidential information and responding to requests for information made pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

• Review all data sharing agreements and other contracts as assigned; provide advice and guidance for such agreements for ADWS IT.

• Represent the Director in rulemaking, federal and state litigation, and administrative proceedings.

• Provide legal advice to Director, Deputy Directors, and ADWS department heads as needed.

• Draft legal documents.

• Conduct legal research.

Training

• ADWS IT security training
• CJIS online training

Performs other duties as assigned.

The mission of the Department of Commerce is to champion economic opportunities through strategic initiatives and an equitable regulatory environment that attracts and grows businesses, safeguards consumers, enhances workforce quality, and energizes our infrastructure, creating a better quality of life for all Arkansans.

Position Information

Class Code: G047C

Grade: GS11

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $62,531.00 - $90,670.00

Summary

The Attorney Specialist is responsible for conducting legal research and writing legal documents for use in litigation and for providing legal assistance to the agency. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Reviews and analyzes data and documentation related to agency's legal matters to determine the agency's position on the issue. Researches case law, state law, and any applicable federal laws related to current legal issues in order to prepare for potential mediation, litigation, conciliation agreement or settlement. Writes legal briefs, motions, and other pleadings to support arguments to facilitate the mediation/litigation process. Analyzes and interprets state and federal laws to determine impact on agency programs. Advises agency management on potential legal issues affecting the agency and offers a legal opinion on actions the agency may take in resolving legal issues. Represents the agency in legal proceedings which may occur in various settings and jurisdictions. Drafts proposed legislation, amendments to current legislation, amendments to agency regulations, and represents the agency at legislative hearings. May supervise a small administrative support staff by assigning and reviewing work and evaluating the performance of the employees. May interview and recommend for hire applicants for agency vacancies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Occasional to frequent in-state travel to attend fact finding meetings, advisory meetings, hearings, and/or court proceedings is required. Occasional out-of state travel related to agency legal matters may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of state and federal laws. Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols. Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, state and federal statutes, legal precedents, and relevant legislative intent to agency legal matters. Ability to provide legal guidance and technical assistance to agency's management and staff. Ability to perform mediation / litigation. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of the administrative support staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201. The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus three years of experience practicing law. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock