ATTORNEY III

State of Arkansas • North Little Rock, AR

2d • $114,390 - $169,298 • Onsite

About The Position

This job posting is for the position that functions as a Revocation Hearing Judge (RHJ) for the state’s paroling authority. In addition to other functions listed in the Attorney III job description, the RHJ position serves as a specialized Administrative Law Judge for the Post-Prison Transfer Board (PPTB) with jurisdictional focus on revocation of parole and post-release supervision and presides over probable cause hearings, revocation hearings, rules on evidentiary matters, evaluates testimony and documentary evidence, and makes findings of fact. Acting independently and impartially, the RHJ issues binding decisions by applying the appropriate burden of proof—subject only to appellate review. This role safeguards individual liberty and due-process interests while promoting public safety through fair and timely adjudication of parole revocation matters statewide. The RHJ role also serves as the legal staff for the Post-Prison Transfer Board; drafts, interprets, implements, and revises administrative rules, legislative proposals, directives, and operational guidance; and conducts training with other state agencies and outside stakeholders.

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.
All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

The Attorney III is a senior-level legal professional within the state government, responsible for handling complex legal matters, providing expert legal counsel, leading litigation efforts, and advising state agencies on high-impact regulatory and policy issues. This position requires substantial legal experience, independent decision-making, and the ability to manage high-stakes cases and legal projects.

Requirements

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Five years of experience in litigation, regulatory compliance, governmental legal services, or a related field.
• Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas.
• Advanced knowledge of Arkansas state laws, administrative procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong legal research skills, with proficiency in legal databases.
• Experience in trial advocacy, case management, and appellate practice.
• Ability to draft and review contracts, memoranda, and legal policies with high attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation skills for settlements, contract negotiations, and agency agreements.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective legal strategies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to present legal arguments clearly and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to make sound legal decisions independently in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to prioritize multiple cases and projects while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with agency leadership, attorneys, and policymakers to achieve legal and policy objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a specialized Administrative Law Judge for the Post-Prison Transfer Board (PPTB) with jurisdictional focus on revocation of parole and post-release supervision.
• Preside over probable cause hearings and revocation hearings.
• Rule on evidentiary matters, evaluate testimony and documentary evidence, and make findings of fact.
• Issue binding decisions by applying the appropriate burden of proof, subject only to appellate review.
• Serve as the legal staff for the Post-Prison Transfer Board.
• Draft, interpret, implement, and revise administrative rules, legislative proposals, directives, and operational guidance.
• Conduct training with other state agencies and outside stakeholders.
• Provide high-level legal advice and guidance to agency leadership, state boards, and commissions on complex legal and regulatory matters.
• Review, draft, and interpret statutes, regulations, contracts, and agency policies to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to mitigate risk and ensure adherence to applicable laws.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in specialized areas of law, such as administrative law, regulatory compliance, labor law, or constitutional law.
• Lead and manage litigation efforts on behalf of the state, representing agencies in administrative hearings, state and federal courts, and appellate proceedings.
• Develop legal arguments, draft pleadings, motions, and appellate briefs, and present oral arguments when necessary.
• Supervise discovery, evidence gathering, and case preparation for high-profile cases.
• Negotiate settlements, consent agreements, and dispute resolutions on behalf of the agency.
• Conduct legal research and analysis of state and federal laws, judicial rulings, and administrative decisions.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing proposed legislation, agency rules, and policy changes.
• Provide guidance on ethics, open records laws, procurement policies, and governmental operations.
• Monitor legal and regulatory trends to anticipate policy impacts and recommend proactive legal strategies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior attorneys, legal staff, and administrative personnel.
• Lead legal training programs and workshops for agency employees on relevant legal topics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, government officials, and external legal counsel on major legal matters.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

What This Job Offers

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