Agency Legal Consultant

State of North Carolina

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides professional legal support within the Office of Regulatory and Legal Affairs in the Division of Public Health. The role focuses on drafting and negotiating legal agreements, supporting administrative rulemaking, and conducting legal research on state and federal public health laws and privacy requirements. Responsibilities include advising leadership and staff on regulatory issues, preparing and presenting information to stakeholders, and responding to external requests such as public records and data inquiries. Work requires strong analytical and communication skills to ensure compliance and effective legal guidance in a dynamic public health environment.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of related professional legal or programmatic experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements for public health programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in conducting legal research and interpreting statutes, administrative rules, and case law to support regulatory decision-making.
• Skilled in managing administrative rulemaking processes, including preparing rule drafts and coordinating with regulatory bodies for approval.
• Experienced in preparing and delivering legal presentations and briefings to internal leadership and external stakeholders on regulatory and compliance topics.
• Proficient in reviewing and responding to public records requests and external inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate compliance with disclosure requirements.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate legal agreements, contracts, and related documents for public health programs.
• Review and analyze proposed administrative rules; prepare rule drafts and support the rulemaking process for the Commission for Public Health.
• Conduct legal research on state and federal statutes, regulations, and privacy requirements impacting public health operations.
• Provide legal consultation to state and local public health officials on a wide range of public health legal issues.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and briefings to internal and external stakeholders on legal and regulatory topics.
• Review and respond to external requests, including public records requests, data inquiries, and other information requests.
• Collaborate with leadership and program staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support the administration of the Division of Public Health Institutional Review Board (IRB) by reviewing protocols and related documentation.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General when formal opinions or legal proceedings are required.
• Maintain accurate documentation of legal activities and decisions for reporting and audit purposes.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees