ATTORNEY SPECIALIST

Position Summary

The Licensing Attorney is responsible for handling licensing issues involving insurance producers, agencies, adjusters, and consultants.  This includes reviewing applications submitted by individuals and entities who wish to become licensed, working with investigators to investigate cases of alleged agent misconduct, and in some cases, handling hearings on alleged violations.  The Licensing Attorney will also handle any appeals filed from an order issued from a hearing.  Further, the Licensing Attorney will respond to verbal and written inquiries from insurance producers, others working in the insurance industry, consumers, and attorneys.  The Licensing Attorney is also responsible for general legal duties, including research (statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, codes, and constitutions), and writing legal documents (memos, briefs, motions, and other pleadings for review, approval, and use by division attorneys).

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

Preferred Qualification

Juris Doctor Degree

Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols.

Knowledge of legal terminology.

Knowledge of the ethical standards of the legal profession.

Knowledge of investigative standards, procedures, and techniques.

Knowledge of Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Knowledge of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.

Knowledge of insurance law.

Ability to perform legal research.

Ability to draft and negotiate legal documents on the agency's behalf.

Ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy and content.

Ability to handle confidential information.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and other relevant legal and agency contacts.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to perform mediation and litigation.

Ability to plan, organize, direct, and supervise the work of others.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

The Licensing Attorney works with investigators within the Legal Division and at times directs active investigations. 

Provides legal advice and technical assistance to agency personnel. 

At times and in conjunction with the License Division, the Licensing Attorney reviews applications for licensure to determine whether the applicant meets the legal requirements for licensure. 

Represents the Department in hearings to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against licensees. 

Responds to inquiries from insurance agents and others working in the insurance industry, attorneys, and consumers. Occasionally, the Licensing Attorney handles litigation, including administrative appeals. 

Reviews and analyzes data and documentation related to agency legal matters to determine the agency’s position. 

Analyzes and interprets state and federal laws and regulations to determine impact on agency programs and to prepare for potential mediation, litigation, or settlement. 

Writes legal briefs, motions, and other pleadings to support arguments. 

From time to time, the Licensing Attorney 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 and at legislative hearings. 

Drafts proposed legislation, amendments to current legislation, proposed agency regulations and amendments to agency regulations.