Staff Attorney

New Hampshire Retirement System•Concord, NH

19d•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel, the Staff Attorney provides legal counsel and support concerning the interpretation and application of state and federal laws governing NHRS and public retirement systems. The position advises management and staff, represents NHRS in administrative proceedings, conducts legal research, drafts and reviews legal documents, and prepares legal analysis and recommendations for the Board of Trustees and its committees. The Staff Attorney also supports compliance, governance, benefits administration, legislative review, risk management, and legal training. The position may require some in-state travel, a flexible schedule that includes periodic evening hours, overtime to meet project deadlines, and weekend work assignments.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-recognized law school.
Valid driver’s license.
Active membership in good standing of the New Hampshire Bar Association, or ability to become a member within six months.
Knowledge of pertinent laws of trial, legal procedures, and methods of legal research.
Strong foundation in legal research, writing, and statutory interpretation, with ability to apply legal principles to operational and administrative challenges.
Ability to translate complex legal requirements, particularly under RSA 100-A and applicable federal tax qualification rules, into clear, practical guidance.
Ability to prepare legal cases and briefs and represent an agency in administrative proceedings.
Ability to develop and present high-quality written legal opinions.
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with members and internal and external stakeholders.
Extensive knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments, including Member Services, Employer Reporting, Finance, and Information Technology.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in the active practice of law is preferred.
Demonstrated interest in litigation and/or public agency law and governance.

Responsibilities

Reviews and interprets statutes, regulations, administrative rules, court decisions, Attorney General opinions, and other legal authorities; provides legal analysis and advice to management and staff about NHRS legal and compliance requirements.
Provides legal counsel regarding contracts, procurement, governance, and other legal matters affecting NHRS operations.
Represents NHRS in administrative appeals and proceedings, including disability retirement determinations; develops the administrative record and prepares legal memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and related documents for the Board of Trustees or Benefits Committee.
Provides legal oversight and guidance concerning return-to-work requirements, gainful occupation determinations, disability re-examinations, and related benefit-administration matters.
Identifies and assesses litigation and legal risk; recommends risk-mitigation strategies and assists with disputes and matters involving outside counsel.
Monitors and reviews proposed legislation affecting NHRS, analyzes legal and operational impacts, and recommends agency action.
Assists with drafting and reviewing administrative rules, Board policies, contracts, procurement documents, and other legal instruments; assists with negotiations and evaluates proposed actions’ legal and operational implications.
Monitors developments in retirement, benefits, administrative, tax, fiduciary, and public law; provides legal training and guidance to NHRS staff as needed.
Provides legal guidance regarding NHRS compliance with RSA 91-A, including reviewing and coordinating right-to-know requests.
Provides legal support to other Board committees as assigned.
Reviews and approves qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs, DROs).
Performs other appropriate and related legal duties and special projects assigned by the Chief Legal Counsel.