Litigation Attorney

State of North Carolina•3200 Atlantic Ave Wake, NC

4d•$91,249 - $159,686•Hybrid

About The Position

The Litigation Attorney serves as counsel to the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer and is assigned primarily to represent the Retirement Systems Division (RSD). This position requires significant litigation experience, as it handles litigation from the initial pleading and appearances in the administrative tribunal or trial court (ex., Office of Administrative Hearings or Superior Court) all the way through an appeal, if one is taken. This position is responsible for drafting pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, and appellate briefs and petitions when necessary. The position requires a combination of strong writing ability and in-court experience. Subject matter areas include public pension governance, benefit disputes, felony forfeiture of benefits, contracts, supplemental retirement plans, and other issues affecting retirement systems administration. While the position is primarily assigned to the Division, it may also be assigned to litigation matters throughout the Department, depending on workload. While experience with these subject matters is a plus, a candidate does not need to be a subject matter expert in these areas to be qualified for this position. Successful performance in this position will require an ability and eagerness to learn them. The Litigation Attorney also provides strategic legal advice to executive leadership and works collaboratively with Division and agency staff to protect the interests of the Department and the Division.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar.
Eight (8) or more years of litigation experience, including substantial experience in state or federal court proceedings.
Comprehensive knowledge of litigation practices and procedures in North Carolina state and federal courts.
Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
Ability to analyze complex legal and factual issues and provide practical recommendations.
Ability to communicate effectively with executives, board members, agency staff, and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority matters under tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience representing governmental entities, public-sector agencies, or governing boards.
Experience with public pension or benefits law is a plus, but not a strict requirement for the position.

Responsibilities

Represent the Department in administrative proceedings, contested case hearings, state courts, federal courts, and appellate matters.
Manage all phases of litigation, including case assessment, discovery, motion practice, hearings, trials, mediations, depositions, and appeals.
Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, legal memoranda, and other litigation documents.
Coordinate litigation strategy and representation with the North Carolina Department of Justice and outside counsel as appropriate.
Monitor and manage litigation risks affecting Department programs and operations.
Provide legal advice to Department leadership, division directors, and staff regarding operational, regulatory, and litigation-related matters.
Advise on legal risks associated with agency policies, programs, contracts, and business practices.
Develop recommendations to mitigate legal exposure and ensure compliance with applicable laws.