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DHS CHIEF ATTORNEY
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Chief Attorney is responsible for supervising various levels of attorneys and an administrative legal support staff to ensure delivery of quality, professional legal services that support the DHS goals and objectives. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.
Class Code:
N220N
Job Grade:
SE02
Special Job Requirements:
0
Typical Functions:
Assumes total responsibility for the quality and delivery of legal services for the agency.
Oversees and manages assigned staff by determining case assignments, providing
oversight and guidance in case handling, and providing general coaching, supervision and
professional development of the legal staff.
Advises agency decision makers on potential legal issues affecting the agency and offers
legal opinions on actions the agency may take in resolving legal issues.
Ensures effective partnering exists between the agency’s legal staff and other state
agencies, the state’s Attorney Generals Office, and federal agencies.
Maintains professional standards and oversees compliance of jurisdictional state bar
requirements by the attorneys.
Represents the agency in legal proceedings which may occur in state or federal courts;
discuss reports findings and hearings with agency director.
Drafts proposed legislation, amendments to current legislation, amendments to agency
regulations, and represents the agency at legislative hearings.
Coordinates with the Attorney General’s Office, the agency response to requesting parties
seeking documents and records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Knowledge of state and federal laws.
Knowledge of the state’s legislative processes.
Knowledge of litigation practices and procedures.
Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, state and federal statutes
legal precedents and relevant legislative intent to agency legal matters.
Ability to provide legal guidance and technical assistance to agency’s legal staff and
management staff.
Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of the professional and administrative support
staff.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and
other relevant legal and agency contacts.
Ability to influence and communicate across all levels of the agency.
Ability to conduct complex litigation.
Minimum Qualifications:
The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus eight years of legal experience in public sector law (private sector law or private law practice may be considered), including five years in a professional managerial capacity.
Required Certificates:
Must be licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201.
Exempt:
E
