Position Number: 22087644
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $62,531
Legal
Hiring Authority:
#1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501/219-6361
Email: wade.hodge@agriculture.arkansas.gov
As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.
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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in real estate and real property law.
- General knowledge of agriculture.
- Background in municipal finance and public construction.
- Knowledge of agriculture and environmental law.
- Knowledge of Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act.
- Familiarity with United States Department of Agriculture conservation and grant programs.
- Familiarity with the National Flood Insurance Program.
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.
