ATTORNEY III

Position Summary 

The Attorney III is a senior-level legal professional within the state government, responsible for handling complex legal matters, providing expert legal counsel, leading litigation efforts, and advising state agencies on high-impact regulatory and policy issues. This position requires substantial legal experience, independent decision-making, and the ability to manage high-stakes cases and legal projects.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus five years of experience in litigation, regulatory compliance, governmental legal services, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Required Certificates:

Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities                                                               

• Advanced knowledge of Arkansas state laws, administrative procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong legal research skills, with proficiency in legal databases
• Experience in trial advocacy, case management, and appellate practice.
• Ability to draft and review contracts, memoranda, and legal policies with high attention to detail. Strong negotiation skills for settlements, contract negotiations, and agency agreements.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective legal strategies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to present legal arguments clearly and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to make sound legal decisions independently in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to prioritize multiple cases and projects while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with agency leadership, attorneys, and policymakers to achieve legal and policy objectives.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results 

• With consultation and oversight of General Counsel, serve as agency attorney and provide general legal services to all Workforce agencies – Division of Workforce Services, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Division of Services for the Blind, Adult Education Section, and Office of Skills Development.
• Serve as primary privacy attorney for all Workforce agencies.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state law, regulations/rules and procedures regarding privacy laws specific to agency programs, as well as the Arkansas FOIA.
• Provide legal guidance in privacy policy discussions, aid in the formation of policy, and ensure conformity with state and federal law.
• Responsible for timely responding to Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requests, subpoena responses, including filing motions to quash if necessary, and any other information request and issues involving data privacy protections.
• Review all data sharing agreements and other contracts and agreements as assigned; provide advice and guidance for such agreements.
• Knowledge of all Workforce agencies’ operations, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and recommend changes to each as needed. 
• Represent the agencies in federal and state litigation, administrative proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, policy discussions, and other proceedings and meetings as needed.
• Review and provide legal guidance for any proposed legislation and rule-making that may impact Workforce agencies.
• Provide general legal advice to Directors, Deputy Directors, and department heads as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.