ATTORNEY II

Date: Jul 8, 2025

Req ID: 50532

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72209

Category: DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Anticipated Starting Salary: 85943

Position Number: 22168031
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 07/16/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: 85943

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.

Summary

The Attorney 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 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 legal issues affecting the agency and offers a legal opinion on actions the agency may take to resolve legal issues. Represents the agency in legal proceedings which may occur in various settings and jurisdictions. Performs other duties as assigned. This position will primarily support the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST), an agency of the Department of Public Safety. The CLEST attorney will provide general legal support for CLEST, represent the Commission in law enforcement officer decertification hearings, assist in law enforcement training, and provide 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.

Position Information

Job Series: Attorneys – Career Path

Classification: Attorney II

Class Code: LAT04P

Pay Grade: SPC05

Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195

Job Summary

The Attorney II is a mid-level legal professional within the state government, responsible for providing legal counsel, conducting legal research, drafting documents, and representing the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings. This position builds upon the foundational legal knowledge of Attorney I by requiring more independent decision-making, case management, and complex legal analysis.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide legal guidance to state agencies, boards, and commissions on matters of compliance, policy implementation, and statutory interpretation. Review and analyze proposed legislation, administrative rules, and agency policies for legal sufficiency. Interpret state and federal laws, court decisions, and regulatory changes that impact agency operations. Prepare and present cases in administrative hearings, state courts, and appellate proceedings. Assist in defending or prosecuting claims on behalf of the state. Develop legal arguments, draft pleadings, and participate in discovery processes. Represent the agency in settlement negotiations, mediation, and arbitration when applicable. Conduct in-depth legal research on statutory, regulatory, and constitutional issues. Draft legal memoranda, contracts, interagency agreements, and official opinions. Review and approve agency contracts, procurement agreements, and administrative decisions to ensure compliance with state laws. Advise agencies on ethics, administrative law, public records, and employment-related legal issues. Assist in developing and implementing regulatory policies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Monitor and evaluate court rulings, attorney general opinions, and legislative changes that affect agency procedures.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of Arkansas state laws, administrative regulations, and judicial procedures. Advanced legal research skills, with proficiency in using legal databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase). Ability to draft and review legal documents, contracts, and policy statements with precision. Experience with litigation, case management, and dispute resolution processes. Ability to assess complex legal matters and develop sound legal strategies. Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey legal concepts to various stakeholders. Capacity to provide strategic legal advice and anticipate legal risks. Ability to manage multiple legal matters and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to advocate for the agency’s interests while working toward fair resolutions.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus two years of experience as an Attorney.

Licensure/Certifications

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

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.