Agency Legal Counsel

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

12d

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles seeks an experienced attorney and strong leader to serve as its chief legal advisor and a member of the agency leadership team. The position directs the agency’s legal operations, supervises attorneys and other legal staff, and advises the DMV Director and senior leadership. The counsel helps the agency address complex legal issues and carry out its responsibilities in a legally sound, practical, and effective manner. The role provides legal guidance on agency operations, statutory authority, administrative law, contracts, personnel matters, regulatory compliance, litigation, and other issues. It supports modernization and other agency initiatives by helping leadership identify risks, understand options, and move forward responsibly. The Agency Legal Counsel also works with government branches and levels, other agencies, local governments, federal agencies, vendors, businesses, and outside counsel. The successful candidate will bring sound legal judgment, a collaborative approach, high professional standards, and the ability to offer practical solutions. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Requirements

At least five years of experience practicing law and providing legal services, such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, or interpreting laws or administrative policies.
At least one year of experience supervising other attorneys.
Must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar, in accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised Reissued Statutes of 1943.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Ability to provide clear, practical, well-reasoned legal advice to executive leadership.
Ability to assess legal risk and distinguish urgent issues from risks that can be managed.
Ability to explain complex legal matters as understandable options and recommendations for non-attorneys.
Ability to draft and review legislation and identify potential legal or operational consequences.
Ability to work effectively within the legislative process and with elected officials, legislative staff, and government representatives.
Ability to analyze and negotiate contracts with consideration of legal and operational factors.
Ability to advise management on complex personnel and employment matters.
Ability to manage litigation, administrative proceedings, and relationships with outside counsel.
Ability to build professional relationships while advocating for the agency’s interests.
Sound independent judgment, professionalism, discretion, integrity, and willingness to provide candid advice.
Ability to identify legally permissible alternatives when a proposed course of action presents concerns.
Ability to lead and develop professional staff, delegate appropriately, and maintain accountability for high-quality legal work.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority matters in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experienced attorney who understands that serving as chief legal counsel requires more than providing technically correct legal answers.

Responsibilities

Serve as chief legal advisor to the DMV Director and agency leadership.
Direct and manage the agency’s legal functions and supervise attorneys and other legal staff.
Provide legal advice on agency operations, statutory authority, administrative law, contracts, personnel matters, regulatory compliance, litigation, and other agency legal issues.
Review and interpret state and federal laws, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and agency policies.
Draft and review proposed legislation, amendments, rules, policies, legal opinions, and other legal documents.
Analyze proposed legislation for legal, operational, financial, and administrative impacts on the agency.
Work with leadership and program areas to identify and address legal risks related to initiatives, technology, operational changes, and service delivery.
Review and negotiate contracts and help leadership evaluate contractual risks and enforcement options.
Advise management on personnel and employment-law matters, including discipline, performance issues, and due process.
Direct legal research, investigations, case preparation, and administrative enforcement activities.
Represent the agency in administrative hearings and other proceedings as authorized.
Coordinate with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and other legal counsel on litigation and significant legal matters.
Prepare pleadings, motions, findings, conclusions, rules, orders, and other materials to protect and advance the agency’s interests.
Develop working relationships with representatives of the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government.
Collaborate with state agencies, local governments, federal agencies, vendors, businesses, and other outside entities.
Supervise, mentor, and develop legal staff and maintain standards for legal analysis, responsiveness, and client service.
Prioritize legal work and ensure significant legal issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Provide practical legal guidance that helps the agency meet its goals while appropriately managing legal risk.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.