Staff Attorney

New-Hampshire-Retirement-System; Concord (NH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Hampshire Retirement System seeks a Staff Attorney to provide legal counsel on state and federal laws governing the NHRS and public retirement systems. You will advise management, represent NHRS in administrative proceedings, perform research, draft documents, and prepare analyses for the Board and committees.

Responsibilities include interpreting statutes and regulations, offering guidance on contracts and governance, and supervising litigation and risk assessment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from ABA-recognized law school.
• Entry-level position; three years of active practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and interprets statutes, regulations, and legal authorities; provides analysis and advice to management and staff.
• Provides legal counsel on contracts, procurement, governance, and other matters affecting NHRS operations.
• Represents NHRS in administrative appeals and proceedings; prepares memoranda, pleadings, and briefs for board presentation.
• Assists with monitoring legislation affecting NHRS; analyzes impacts and recommends agency actions.
• Drafts and reviews administrative rules, board policies, contracts, and other legal documents; negotiates and evaluates implications.
• Provides legal training and guidance on retirement, benefits, fiduciary, tax, and public law.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Statutory interpretation

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bar admission (NH)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

Hiring Range: $80,000-$90,000 Full Salary Range: $71,000-$120,000

SCOPE OF WORK:

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. This 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.

Accountabilities

Reviews and interprets state and federal statutes, regulations, administrative rules, court decisions, Attorney General opinions, and other legal authorities, and provides legal analysis and advice to management and staff regarding legal or compliance requirements applicable to NHRS.

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 presentation to the board of trustees or benefits committee, as appropriate.

Provides legal oversight and guidance concerning NHRS return-to-work requirements, gainful occupation determinations, disability re-examinations, and related benefit-administration matters.

Identifies and assesses litigation and legal risk; recommends appropriate risk-mitigation strategies and assists with the resolution of disputes and matters involving outside counsel.

Assists with the monitoring and review of proposed legislation affecting NHRS; analyzes legal and operational impacts; and recommends appropriate agency action.

Assists with drafting and reviewing administrative rules, board policies, contracts, procurement documents, and other legal instruments; assists with negotiations and evaluates the legal and operational implications of proposed actions.

Monitors developments in retirement, benefits, administrative, tax, fiduciary, and public law; and provides legal training and guidance to NHRS staff as needed.

Provides legal guidance regarding NHRS compliance with RSA 91-a, including the review and coordination of 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 as assigned by the Chief Legal Counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association recognized law school.

Experience:Entry level, three years of experience in the active practice of law preferred.

License/Certification: Valid driver's license required. Must be an active member, in good
standing, of the New Hampshire Bar Association, or have the ability to become a member of the
New Hampshire Bar Association within six months.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of pertinent laws of trial, legal procedures, and methods of legal research.
• Strong foundation in legal research, writing, and statutory interpretation, along with a demonstrated ability to apply legal principles to real-world 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.
• Demonstrated interest in litigation, and/or public agency law and governance.
• Ability to prepare legal cases and briefs and to represent an agency in administrative proceedings.
• Ability to develop and present high-quality written legal opinions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with members, internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• This position may require some in-state travel and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including periodic evening hours.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments, including Member Services, Employer Reporting, Finance, and Information Technology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee must have the ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Communicate with others to exchange information. (Constantly)
• Analyze accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. (Constantly)
• Requires computer responsibility which involves extensive use of keyboard, mouse and monitor, and repeat motions that include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. (Constantly)

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Dayshift hours primarily, although overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
• Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.
• Work-related assignments on weekends are possible.