Attorney III (SOS Temporary)

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Counsel for the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission serves as a staff attorney responsible for providing legal guidance, regulatory interpretation, and compliance oversight for the state’s medical cannabis program. This position supports the Director of Medical Cannabis and the Medical Cannabis Commission by advising on legal matters, assisting with rulemaking, and ensuring that licensed entities and program participants operate in compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and Commission policies. The position reports to the Director and works closely with agency staff and other state entities to support regulatory enforcement, administrative proceedings, and program integrity. This role combines legal advisory responsibilities with a compliance function to ensure consistent application of regulatory requirements across all license types and program areas. This is a temporary position expected to last until 12/31/2026.

Requirements

Three years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.
Must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of experience working in a governmental, regulatory, or public sector legal role.
Three to five years of experience with administrative hearings, enforcement actions, or regulatory compliance programs.
Experience drafting or interpreting administrative rules and regulations.
Experience working with licensing systems, regulatory databases, or compliance monitoring systems.
Experience coordinating with attorneys general offices or handling government related litigation.
Experience advising on procurement, contracts, or public sector governance requirements.
Knowledge of cannabis regulatory frameworks or other highly regulated industries such as alcohol, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or financial services.
Ability to interpret statutes, regulations, and legal documents.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to analyze complex legal and regulatory issues and provide practical guidance.
Ability to work collaboratively within a regulatory agency environment.

Responsibilities

Provides legal analysis and guidance regarding Nebraska statutes, administrative rules, and Commission policies governing the medical cannabis program.
Advises the Director and Commission staff on regulatory compliance, licensing issues, enforcement actions, and administrative procedures.
Assists in interpreting statutory authority and identifying legal risks associated with regulatory decisions and program operations.
Lead Commission and Commission staff on legal matters including enforcement actions, administrative hearings, and litigation.
Assists in the development of proposed administrative rules and regulations for Commission consideration.
Provides legal review of draft rules, policies, guidance documents, and internal procedures to ensure compliance with state law and administrative requirements.
Supports the formal rulemaking process, including drafting language, reviewing public comments, and ensuring procedural compliance.
Advises on necessary statutory or regulatory changes based on program implementation and compliance trends.
Provides legal oversight compliance of all functions related to the Medical Cannabis Program.
Reviews licensing applications, renewals, and compliance reports for adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements.
Identifies patterns of noncompliance and advises on appropriate regulatory or enforcement responses.
Assists in developing compliance standards, guidance materials, and internal procedures to ensure consistent application of rules.
Supports the development and implementation of compliance monitoring systems and risk-based oversight strategies.
Provides legal support for enforcement actions, including preparation of notices, administrative orders, and case documentation.
Assists in administrative hearings, contested cases, and disciplinary proceedings.
Advises staff on enforcement options, due process requirements, and evidentiary considerations.
Coordinates with outside council on litigation strategy and case development when necessary.
Provides legal review and guidance on licensing determinations, application requirements, and eligibility standards.
Supports staff in resolving complex licensing issues and regulatory interpretations.
Ensures consistent application of licensing criteria and regulatory requirements across all program areas.
Coordinates with other state agencies, regulatory bodies, and local entities on legal and compliance matters related to the medical cannabis program.
Responds to inquiries from licensees, stakeholders, and the public regarding legal and regulatory requirements.
Supports development of public guidance materials and compliance education resources.
Ensures Commission actions comply with applicable administrative law requirements, including open meetings, public records, and due process standards.
Assists in developing internal compliance controls, documentation standards, and legal review processes.
Supports audit readiness efforts and ensures regulatory documentation is legally sufficient and defensible.
Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.