ATTORNEY III

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Attorney III handles agency litigation, under the direction of the AID General Counsel, in state and federal court and complex administrative actions. This position also trains other AID attorneys in litigation techniques. Attorney III analyzes and interprets state and federal law. This position also provides legal advice to other divisions within the Arkansas Insurance Department. Attorney III drafts proposed rules and legislation and testifies in front of the Arkansas General Assembly. This Attorney III position is also frequently assigned special projects by the AID General Counsel. 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 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Three years' experience practicing law, plus knowledge of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, the Arkansas Insurance Code, healthcare law, and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Enforce and defend the Arkansas Insurance Code in state and federal courts and administrative actions regarding highly complex issues, such as ERISA, state 340B compliance, and constitutional challenges to state statutes.
Conduct comprehensive legal research on state and federal laws, draft well-reasoned pleadings, request and respond to discovery in a timely manner, take and defend depositions, and strategize effectively with upper-level management at the Arkansas Insurance Department and the Department of Commerce.
Thoroughly prepare expert witnesses for testimony.
Provide accurate and timely legal services and advice to management and divisions on a broad range of matters.
Interpret and analyze state and federal law, draft legislation and other policy documents, and promulgate new Department rules and amendments to existing rules.
Supervise outside attorneys, appraisers, and independent actuaries, certified public accountants, or other professionals or specialists hired as examiners by the Department to conduct examinations pursuant to Ark. Code Ann.§ 23-61-203 (in some cases).
Perform 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.