ATTORNEY I

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

12d•$71,027 - $105,120

About The Position

The Attorney I is an entry-level legal position with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The OCC Litigation Attorney serves as litigation counsel for DHS divisions, offices, and programs, providing legal advice and representing and counseling DHS, its divisions, offices, and personnel in their official and individual capacities in non-jury state and federal court litigation, including appeals. The position also provides legal research, analysis, and support on legal matters affecting state agencies; drafts legal documents; assists with litigation; interprets laws and regulations; and advises agency personnel. Progression to the next classification level is discretionary and depends on demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Requirements

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Must be licensed as an attorney in the State of Arkansas.
The preferred qualifications specify admission to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201.
Fundamental knowledge of Arkansas state laws, administrative procedures, and legal principles.
Strong legal research and writing abilities.
Familiarity with court procedures, government regulations, and statutory interpretation.
Ability to evaluate complex legal issues and present well-reasoned conclusions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Precision in drafting legal documents and reviewing laws for compliance.
Ability to assess legal risks and recommend effective solutions.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with legal research tools such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice to DHS and DHS offices and programs.
Represent and counsel DHS, its divisions, offices, and personnel in their official and individual capacities in non-jury state and federal court litigation, including appeals.
Conduct legal research on statutes, case law, administrative codes, and policies relevant to state operations.
Analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and legal precedents and provide recommendations for agency decision-making.
Help identify legal risks and advise on appropriate courses of action.
Draft legal memoranda, contracts, opinions, and administrative rules under supervision.
Assist in preparing pleadings, motions, and other court-related documents.
Review proposed legislation and policies for legal sufficiency and compliance with state laws.
Support agency attorneys with case preparation, depositions, and administrative hearings.
Gather and organize evidence, affidavits, and legal arguments for hearings and trials.
Monitor court rulings and regulatory changes that affect agency policies and procedures.
Provide agency staff with legal guidance on compliance with state and federal laws.
Assist in reviewing agency procedures, contracts, and policies for legal soundness.
Participate in training sessions to educate employees on legal requirements and best practices.