Special Counsel, Office of General Counsel

Agency

Dept of Justice

Division

DOJ Administrative Services

Job Classification Title

Agency General Counsel I (NS)

Position Number

60010557

Grade

LG09

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General of North Carolina, represents the state, state agencies, and elected officials, and defends the rights of the people of North Carolina. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal cases at their request. Additionally, the Department of Justice includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions.

Description of Work

Recruitment Range: $108,855 - $119,415

IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.

**Position is pending reclass to Agency General Counsel I/LG09**

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as special legal counsel providing comprehensive legal advice and strategic support to the Office of General Counsel and Human Resources on a broad range of legal, operational, and administrative matters. The position will advise on employee relations, personnel actions, performance management, workplace investigations, policy development, agency compliance, and rulemaking, while also providing substantial legal support related to contracts, grants, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), procurement, and public records.

This position serves as a key legal advisor on complex employment and administrative law matters and collaborates closely with senior Department leadership to identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws. The attorney will also assist in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and interpreting vendor contracts, grant agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and other legal instruments supporting Department operations.

Task and Responsibilities:

*Employment Law, Employee Relations, and Litigation

Provide legal advice and representation regarding employment and personnel matters involving the Department. · Advising executive leadership, Human Resources, supervisors, and managers regarding personnel actions, employee relations, disciplinary actions, performance management, workplace investigations, leave issues, accommodations, and other employment-related matters. Collaborating with assigned counsel to represent the Department before administrative agencies and courts, including the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR), and other state and federal tribunals. Managing complex employment litigation from inception through resolution, including legal research, discovery, motion practice, mediation, trial preparation, and appeals when appropriate. Developing litigation strategies and providing legal guidance on novel and complex employment law issues. Monitoring developments in employment law and recommending changes to Department policies and practices to ensure ongoing legal compliance.

*Office of General Counsel Support, Contracts, and Legal Operations

Provide significant legal support to the Office of General Counsel on Department-wide legal matters. Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and interpreting vendor contracts, procurement agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), grant agreements, interagency agreements, amendments, and other legal instruments. Advising Department leadership regarding contractual obligations, procurement requirements, grant compliance, and legal risk. Assisting with complex legal projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the General Counsel. Supporting legal review of operational issues affecting multiple divisions across the Department. Assisting with responses to public records requests and advising regarding applicable confidentiality laws and exemptions.

*Policy Development, Rulemaking, and Agency Compliance

Provide legal guidance regarding Department policies, procedures, regulatory compliance, and administrative governance. Assisting with drafting, reviewing, and revising Department policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state law. Assisting with the development, interpretation, and implementation of Human Resources policies and other Department-wide administrative policies. Providing legal advice regarding agency compliance obligations, ethics requirements, records management, administrative law, and regulatory matters. Assisting with rulemaking activities, including drafting proposed administrative rules, reviewing rule changes, preparing supporting legal analyses, and ensuring compliance with the North Carolina Administrative Procedure Act. Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments affecting Department operations and recommending appropriate policy changes.

*Executive and Strategic Legal Counsel

Provide legal and strategic support to the Office of General Counsel on high-priority initiatives. Advising senior leadership on legal risks affecting Department operations. Conducting legal research and preparing memoranda addressing complex legal questions involving administrative law, governmental authority, ethics, governance, procurement, and operational issues. Assisting with special projects, legislative initiatives, executive directives, and other assignments requiring senior legal analysis. Collaborating with internal divisions and external governmental agencies to advance Department priorities and ensure consistent legal guidance across the organization.

This position is exempt from the Department’s criminal brief rotation.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Management Preferences:

* Experience managing complex employment litigation and knowledge of administrative proceedings, knowledge of administrative law, rulemaking, public records law, ethics, and agency compliance.

* Experience as an Assistant or Deputy General Counsel, and ability to independently manage complex legal matters while balancing multiple priorities and advising executive leadership on sensitive legal and operational issues.

* Five Years of legal experience and exceptional legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.

* Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and interpretation skills and experience reviewing procurement documents, MOUs, and other governmental contracts.

* Extensive knowledge of North Carolina and federal employment law and excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a practical and understandable manner.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and four years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.

NOTE: GS 114-2 and 114-6 make it the duty of the Attorney General of NC to represent the State of North Carolina in all litigation unless another statute specifically states otherwise.

Supplemental Information:

Resumes and cover letters: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer.

Using the terms "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will not be accepted, and your application will be rejected as incomplete.  Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.   

  

Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application.  Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NC Department of Justice
Human Resources
Recruiters@ncdoj.gov

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Andrea Evet Cannon

Recruiter Email:

Recruiters@ncdoj.gov