ATTORNEY II

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

Job summary

Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock seeks an Attorney II to provide legal counsel to state agencies, draft documents, and represent the department in proceedings.

Requires Juris Doctorate and at least two years of attorney experience; Arkansas licensure; strong research, writing, and advocacy skills; ability to interpret statutes and regulations. This is an Administration – Legal Department position with a salary range listed by the state.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum two years of attorney experience.
• Eligible to practice law in Arkansas.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret statutes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance to state agencies, boards, and commissions.
• Review proposed legislation, rules, and agency policies for legal sufficiency.
• Draft pleadings and represent the agency in hearings and court proceedings.
• Develop legal arguments and manage discovery.
• Review contracts and interagency agreements for compliance.
• Advise on ethics, public records, and employment-related issues.
• Monitor court rulings and regulatory changes affecting agency procedures.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting pleadings

Litigation experience

Policy interpretation

Written communication

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Fastcase

Job description

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

Position Number: 22109813

County: Pulaski City: Little Rock

Posting End Date: 11/17/26

Administration – Legal Department

CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences:

None

Hiring Official: R. Rogers

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

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.