ATTORNEY III

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

Must be able to identify potential legal issues and recommend solutions to decisions makers.
Must be able to work independently with minimal oversight.
Must be able to carry a significant workload involving multiple agencies and subject matter areas.
Must be able to accurate and straightforward explanation and guidance of complex legal issues to nonlawyer decision makers.
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.
Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus 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.

Responsibilities

With consultation and oversight of General Counsel, serve as agency attorney and provide general legal services to the Division for Reemployment (unemployment insurance benefits) and the agencies within Arkansas Workforce Connections – Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Division of Services for the Blind, Adult Education Section, Office of Skills Development., Arkansas Manufacturers Solutions, and Industry Connections.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state law, regulations/rules and procedures regarding privacy laws specific to agency programs, as well as the Arkansas FOIA.
Provide legal guidance in policy discussions, aid in the formation of policy, and ensure conformity with state and federal law.
Review all data sharing agreements and other contracts and agreements as assigned; provide advice and guidance for such agreements.
Knowledge of all agencies’ operations, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and recommend changes to each as needed.
Represent the agencies in federal and state litigation, administrative proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, policy discussions, and other proceedings and meetings as needed.
Review and provide legal guidance for any proposed legislation and rule-making that may impact agencies.
Provide general legal advice to Directors, Deputy Directors, and department heads as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
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.