ATTORNEY I

State of Arkansas; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 71,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking an OCC Litigation Attorney to provide litigation counsel for DHS divisions and programs. This entry-level Attorney I position involves researching, analyzing, and advising on state regulatory matters, and supporting agency personnel in court and administrative settings.

Salary ranges from $71,027 to $105,120. The role emphasizes drafting, researching, and advising on legal issues, while offering a pension, maternity leave, paid holidays, and other state benefits.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Experience in litigation is preferred but not required for entry-level applicants.
• Strong research, writing, and interpretive abilities for state laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on statutes, case law, administrative codes, and policies relevant to state operations.
• Analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and legal precedents to provide recommendations for agency decision making.
• Draft legal memoranda, contracts, opinions, and administrative rules under supervision.
• Assist in preparing pleadings, motions, and other court related documents as needed.
• Review proposed legislation and policies for legal sufficiency and compliance with state laws.
• Provide legal guidance to agency staff on compliance with state and federal laws.
• Support agency attorneys in case preparation, depositions, and administrative hearings.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Position Number: 22163226
County: Washington
Posting End Date: November 2,2026

The OCC Litigation Attorney serves as litigation counsel for the various DHS divisions, offices, and programs. OCC Litigation Attorney responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Legal advice to DHS and DHS offices and programs;
• Legal representation and counsel to DHS, DHS divisions, offices, and personnel in their official (and in their individual) capacities in state and federal court (non-jury) litigation, including appeals.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Attorneys – Career Path

Classification: Attorney I

Class Code: LAT03P

Pay Grade: SPC03

Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120

Job Summary

The Attorney I is an entry-level legal position within the state government, responsible for providing legal research, analysis, and support on various legal matters affecting state agencies. This role involves drafting legal documents, assisting with litigation, interpreting laws and regulations, and advising agency personnel on legal issues.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct legal research on statutes, case law, administrative codes, and policies relevant to state operations.Analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and legal precedents to provide recommendations for agency decision‑making.Assist in identifying legal risks and advising on appropriate courses of action.Draft legal memoranda, contracts, opinions, and administrative rules under supervision.Assist in preparing pleadings, motions, and other court‑related documents as needed.Review proposed legislation and policies for legal sufficiency and compliance with state laws.Support agency attorneys in case preparation, depositions, and administrative hearings.Gather and organize evidence, affidavits, and legal arguments for hearings and trials.Monitor court rulings and regulatory changes that impact agency policies and procedures.Provide legal guidance to agency staff on compliance with state and federal laws.Assist in reviewing agency procedures, contracts, and policies for legal soundness.Participate in training sessions to educate employees on legal requirements and best practices.

Knowledge and Skills

Fundamental knowledge of Arkansas state laws, administrative procedures, and legal principles.Strong legal research and writing abilities to analyze and apply legal concepts effectively.Familiarity with court procedures, government regulations, and statutory interpretation.Proficiency in using legal research tools (Westlaw, LexisNexis) and office software (Microsoft Office Suite).Ability to evaluate complex legal issues and present well‑reasoned conclusions.Strong written and verbal communication to convey legal information clearly.Precision in drafting legal documents and reviewing laws for compliance.Ability to assess legal risks and recommend effective solutions.Capability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced legal environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas.OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.