ATTORNEY II

State of Arkansas; Forrest City (AR); On-site; USD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas seeks an Attorney II to provide legal counsel, conduct research, draft documents, and represent the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings. You will review proposed legislation, interpret state and federal laws, and advise on ethics, contracts, and regulatory policy.

A Juris Doctorate and Arkansas admission are required; salary ranges from $85,943 to $127,195 yearly, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and Arkansas license.
• Two years of attorney experience preferred.
• Strong research, drafting, and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to agencies, boards, and commissions.
• Review legislation, rules, and agency policies for legality.
• Draft pleadings, contracts, memoranda, and opinions.
• Represent the state in administrative and judicial proceedings.

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

Litigation experience

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw/LexisNexis

Job description

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Category: DFA - OFC OF CHILD SUPPORT ENF

Anticipated Starting Salary: $85,943

Position Number: 22107658
County: St Francis
Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]
Anticipated Starting Salary: $85,943
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The mission of the Department of Finance and Administration is to provide Arkansas citizens convenient, effective, and courteous service which will encourage voluntary compliance with tax, license, and child support laws.

Position Information

Job Series: Attorneys – Career Path

Classification: Attorney II

Class Code: LAT04P

Pay Grade: SPC05

Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195

Job Summary

The Attorney II is a mid-level legal professional within the state government, responsible for providing legal counsel, conducting legal research, drafting documents, and representing the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings. This position builds upon the foundational legal knowledge of Attorney I by requiring more independent decision-making, case management, and complex legal analysis.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide legal guidance to state agencies, boards, and commissions on matters of compliance, policy implementation, and statutory interpretation. Review and analyze proposed legislation, administrative rules, and agency policies for legal sufficiency. Interpret state and federal laws, court decisions, and regulatory changes that impact agency operations. Prepare and present cases in administrative hearings, state courts, and appellate proceedings. Assist in defending or prosecuting claims on behalf of the state. Develop legal arguments, draft pleadings, and participate in discovery processes. Represent the agency in settlement negotiations, mediation, and arbitration when applicable. Conduct in-depth legal research on statutory, regulatory, and constitutional issues. Draft legal memoranda, contracts, interagency agreements, and official opinions. Review and approve agency contracts, procurement agreements, and administrative decisions to ensure compliance with state laws. Advise agencies on ethics, administrative law, public records, and employment-related legal issues. Assist in developing and implementing regulatory policies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Monitor and evaluate court rulings, attorney general opinions, and legislative changes that affect agency procedures.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of Arkansas state laws, administrative regulations, and judicial procedures. Advanced legal research skills, with proficiency in using legal databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase). Ability to draft and review legal documents, contracts, and policy statements with precision. Experience with litigation, case management, and dispute resolution processes. Ability to assess complex legal matters and develop sound legal strategies. Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey legal concepts to various stakeholders. Capacity to provide strategic legal advice and anticipate legal risks. Ability to manage multiple legal matters and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to advocate for the agency’s interests while working toward fair resolutions.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus two years of experience as an Attorney.

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.