ATTORNEY SPECIALIST

Position Number: 22178634

County: Pulaski 
Anticipated Starting Salary: $62,530.83
Legal Shared 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

  The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus, three years of experience practicing law.

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 I litigation.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of the administrative support staff.
• Preferred experience: knowledge of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and experience responding to claims.  Experience with redaction software programs.
•  Knowledge of state and federal privacy laws

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

Functions

• Consult with General Counsel daily.
  • Work at the direction of the GC o       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. o    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.

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.