ATTORNEY SPECIALIST

Position Number: 22159409

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: 05/20/2024

Anticipated Starting Salary: 62531

The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.

This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.

If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.

This position will be responsible for the below listed items. This is not an all-inclusive sampling of job duties but is intended to display the types of work the position will be exposed to.

Review and approve FOIA requests

Represent certain divisions of DPS in disciplinary appeal hearings

Represent certain divisions of DPS in State Claims Commission claim litigation

Provide training and instruction to DPS employees as directed

Respond to garnishment claims

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.