Position Number: 22138847
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $85,943
Legal
Hiring Authority:
1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501/219-6362
Email: alex.johnston@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
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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in municipal finance and public construction.
- Knowledge of agriculture and environmental law.
- Knowledge of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.
- 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.
