ATTORNEY II

State of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

1d • $85,943 - $127,195 • Onsite

About The Position

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. This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Requirements

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus two years of experience as an Attorney.
• Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• In consultation with and oversight of the general counsel, serve as agency attorney and provide general legal services to all the agencies and offices of the Division of Reemployment, Arkansas Workforce Connections – Office of Employment & Training, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Division of Services for the Blind, Office of Adult Education, Office of Skills Development, Industry Connections, and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions.
• Maintain an advanced working knowledge of applicable federal and state law, regulations/rules and procedures specific to agency programs, as well as laws applicable to state agencies generally and the Arkansas FOIA.
• Provide legal guidance in policy discussions and in the formation of policy to ensure conformity with state and federal law.
• Review contracts, memorandums of understanding, and other agreements assigned; provide advice and guidance for such agreements.
• Represent agencies as attorney of record in federal and state litigation, administrative proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, policy discussions, and other proceedings and meetings as assigned.
• Review and provide legal guidance for any proposed legislation and rule-making that may impact the agencies.
• Provide general legal advice to directors, deputy directors, and department heads as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level