Legal Affairs Program Officer

Job Summary

• Performs legal reviews of the Authority’s applicants and vendors to ensure compliance with Authority’s Disqualification/Debarment Regulations, set forth in N.J.A.C. 19:30-2.1, et seq., as well as Executive Order 34 (Byrne 1976) and Executive Order 189 (Kean 1988).
• Reviews and evaluates disclosures by applicants/vendors regarding litigation, administrative and regulatory matters to determine whether grounds for disqualification, debarment or suspension exist.
• Performs independent research through various databases, as well as general internet searches, and reviews available public records to analyze and verify veracity of information provided by applicants/vendors.
• Prepares and submits written board memoranda, providing thorough analysis and recommendations for Board action, presents recommendations to EDA committees and may be required to present recommendations in open public meetings.
• Serves as Hearing Officer for Authority on bid protests and/or appeals from declinations of applications for financial assistance; reviews appeal documents, determines factual and legal bases for appeal, and drafts written recommendations on discretionary appeals.
• Reviews Memoranda of Understanding and Agreement on behalf of the Authority in accordance with relevant law.
• Reviews Non-Disclosure Agreements, as well as other agreements, as necessary, on behalf of Authority in accordance with relevant law.
• Serves in various departments throughout the Authority for interim periods to provide legal support to different programs as directed by the Director of Legal Affairs; Prepares matters for Attorney General review on behalf of program teams and under the direction of the Director.
• Assists in responding to complex discovery demands and subpoenas, as necessary.
• Supports Senior Legal Affairs Officer(s) as directed by the Director of Legal Affairs.
• Promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
• Must complete annual and semiannual self-assessment as required.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

• Must possess advanced research ability and information technology skills, as well as excellent analytical skills.
• Must have familiarity with various types of corporate litigation and regulatory matters, as well as knowledge of government, business or industry.
• Ability to prioritize workload, must be highly organized, detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate effectively with general public, news media and various professionals.
• Ability to work independently and with professionals of various disciplines as well as staff at various levels.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff.
• Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn new software packages.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; Juris Doctorate required
• Currency of annual CLE required consistent with the admitted State’s requirements
• Minimum 1 year of post-admission legal experience required
• Experience reviewing legal documents and use of third-party legal software (e.g. Lexis-Nexis).
• regulatory experience required
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a legal or compliance capacity; each completed year at an accredited law school may be substituted for 1 year of experience.
• Prior experience as a law clerk desired.

• Minimal
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed

Travel

• As necessary to events, meetings, businesses, etc.

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Admission to the bar
• License: Staff are required to possess a valid driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.

This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
• Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011 to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.