ATTORNEY II

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

Job summary

The Attorney II position with the State of Arkansas involves providing legal counsel, conducting research, drafting documents, and representing the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings. The role supports statutory interpretation, policy analysis, and complex legal decisions.

The incumbent will review legislation, draft pleadings, and participate in discovery while managing multiple matters with increasing independence and accountability.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar; JD from an accredited law school.
• Two years of attorney experience required; higher requirements per agency review.
• Ability to analyze statutes, regulations, and agency policies for legal sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to state agencies and boards on compliance and statutory interpretation.
• Represent the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Prepare pleadings, orders, and legal memoranda; conduct in-depth legal research.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Litigation

Policy interpretation

Communication

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Fastcase

Job description

Job Duties: A trial attorney is responsible for conducting research, preparing legal documents, and providing legal advice and opinions to the agency. The trial attorney will spend a significant amount of time in court conducting various hearings and an equally significant amount of time preparing orders, pleadings, and interviewing and advising agency clients regarding various cases. A trial attorney independently directs and conducts trials and advises on strategies and tactics relating to child welfare and/or adult protective services cases.

Position Number: 22098528 County: Craighead Posting End Date: September 21, 2026 Job Duties: A trial attorney is responsible for conducting research, preparing legal documents, and providing legal advice and opinions to the agency. The trial attorney will spend a significant amount of time in court conducting various hearings and an equally significant amount of time preparing orders, pleadings, and interviewing and advising agency clients regarding various cases. A trial attorney independently directs and conducts trials and advises on strategies and tactics relating to child welfare and/or adult protective services cases.

Preferred Qualification s: Licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201. The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus three years of experience practicing law. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. 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.

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.

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.