ATTORNEY II

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

36d

About The Position

The Arkansas Department of Commerce Attorney II will function as the ACOM Chief Comm & Legislative Affairs. The ACOM Director of Legislative Affairs & Policies provides briefing information to the Chief of Staff and Department Secretary, responds to Freedom of Information requests, represents the department in various task forces, leads ACOM strategic planning efforts, leads initiatives for legislative and policy changes and serves as liaison to governmental organizations and entities. 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.

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.
Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols.
Knowledge of legal terminology.
Knowledge of the ethical standards of the legal profession.
Knowledge of investigative standards, procedures, and techniques.
Knowledge of Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requirements
Ability to perform legal research.
Ability to draft and negotiate legal documents on the agency's behalf.
Ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy and content.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and other relevant legal and agency contacts.
Ability to work independently.
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.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor Degree

Responsibilities

Providing technical assistance to the Agency by writing, editing, and proofing brochures, manuals, reports, letters, etc.; developing PowerPoint presentations.
Initiating and participating in the development of the Agency's economic development strategy.
Leading the process of conducting internal and external interviews to solicit input for the planning process.
Contributing to the writing of the strategic plan; assisting in the preparation of annual updates, tracking and reporting progress/success.
Special Projects.
Legislative session planning.
Drafting the Agency's legislative package.
Developing presentations to communicate proposed/enacted legislation.
Monitoring all proposed legislation that may impact our Agency or the business climate in Arkansas.
Assigning staff coverage for monitoring relevant legislative committees.
Working with the Executive Director to develop a strategy to influence the passage of desirable economic development legislation.
Serves as liaison to governmental organizations and entities.
Reviewing both economic development strategies and proposed legislation with the appropriate partners.
Helping to administer General Improvement Fund grants to cities and counties.
Managing the daily operations and budget functions of the Strategic Planning and Legislative Division including developing, monitoring and revising the budget.
Approving contracts, purchase requests, travel and reimbursement requests, MOU's, etc..
Approving/disapproving a variety of actions/policies/procedures/recommendations; and coordinating work assignments and monitoring projects.
Directing professional development for Strategic Planning team members by coaching subordinates in goal establishment and development.
Locating and evaluating professional development training opportunities.
Performing semi-annual and annual performance reviews.
Coaching for performance improvement.
Assisting subordinates with short term and long-term career planning.
Performing 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.