SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL

State of careers Rhode Island

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform legal advice and services in a state department or agency on issues posing complex legal interpretations and extensive research of law, rules and regulations; to train, instruct and supervise entry level legal staff; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior with latitude for the exercise of independent judgement; work is subject to review of conformance to established policies, rules, regulations and provisions of law. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Trains, instructs and supervises entry level legal staff members and clerical support staff assigned to assist. This position is part of the Division of Legal Service’s Labor and Employment Law Practice Group. The position will provide day-to-day legal advice on traditional labor law matters, including the interpretation of multiple collective bargaining agreements, employment law, including discrimination law, wage and hour law, and the Rhode Island Merit System Act, to the State’s Division of Human Resources and management personnel. The position will also be responsible for representing the State in State and Federal Court, grievance arbitrations, and before various administrative bodies, including the Rhode Island Personnel Appeal Board, the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights, the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and their federal counterparts. First chair experience in grievance arbitrations and Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board matters, both unfair labor practice charges and accretion petitions, is strongly preferred.

Requirements

A thorough knowledge of the methods, practices and procedures of governmental law
the ability to interpret the provisions of state and federal laws and to prepare opinions relating thereto for use in the administration of the functions of the department
the ability to function as a hearing officer
the ability to prepare briefs, rulings and miscellaneous legal documents
the ability to research and draft rules and regulations having the force and effect of law while remaining consistent with the purpose and provisions of the law
the ability to exercise independent judgement in making decisions in complex and difficult cases involving legal matters
the ability to train, instruct and supervise entry level legal staff
the ability to prepare detailed reports and recommendations
related capacities and abilities
Graduation from an accredited law school
Considerable employment in a responsible capacity within a legal services program involving the interpretation of law and the application of pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and decisions.
Applicant must be a member of the Rhode Island Bar and must maintain such membership as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

First chair experience in grievance arbitrations and Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board matters, both unfair labor practice charges and accretion petitions, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

To provide legal advice and services in a state department or agency on issues posing complex legal interpretations and extensive research of law, rules and regulations.
To provide instruction and training to subordinate legal staff in the performance and execution of legal services and to review such work performed for results obtained and conformance to law, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
To serve as a hearing officer for cases of a complex and difficult nature requiring the interpretation and enforcement of applicable laws, rules and regulations.
To prepare legal documents, as well as draft rules, regulations, laws, legislation and amendments thereto.
To perform extensive legal research relative to various departmental or agency issues or the preparation and presentation of cases in court.
To prepare in-depth reports, briefs, papers and recommendations on legal matters.
To be responsible for analyzing pertinent information and evidence in order to provide legal opinions to departmental or agency staff personnel for the proper execution of their responsibilities.
To review and evaluate departmental programs from a legal perspective and to propose appropriate changes.
To gather and analyze evidence for cases and review pertinent decisions, policies, regulations, and other legal matters pertaining to such case and to represent the agency in court.
To interact and coordinate legal activities with other legal staff and various other state departments and agencies.
To be responsible for the development and maintenance of legal service programs designed for client groups and to consult with such groups on legal program matters.
To do related work as required.

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

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