Attorney III

Agency

Dept of Justice

Division

DOJ Legal Services

Job Classification Title

Attorney III (NS)

Position Number

65030400

Grade

LG08

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: $91,249 - $103,184

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

This position is part of the Air, Water & Natural Resources Section within the Environmental Division of the Department of Justice. This position has primary responsibility for an advanced level of legal work, independently representing and advising the clients in the implementation of the State’s air and water quality programs, including programs delegated and approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Clean Air Act and the federal Clean Water Act, and in the implementation, administration and enforcement of State and Federal fisheries management laws. This position may also advise and represent the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources in its implementation of the Coal Ash Management Act. This position may be called upon to perform work in other sections within the Environmental Division.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Handle Civil and Administrative Litigation

* Independently represent the clients in all levels of civil litigation before State and federal courts, and before the North
Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings; may also appear before other boards, agencies or commissions on behalf of the
client agencies in regulatory matters that may result in litigation.
* The nature of the representation is varied, and may include enforcement proceedings, defending permitting decisions
and other final decisions of the client agencies, challenging and supporting federal regulations that impact the clients’
regulatory programs, seeking injunctive and declaratory relief and representing the clients when such relief is requested
against them.
* This attorney will be expected to work directly with client representatives to gather all information necessary to
understand the factual and legal issues in each case, and to review documents and interview individuals involved to
effectively represent the client.
* The attorney is expected to objectively evaluate each case assigned. Litigation strategies are developed by this attorney.
The attorney is expected to make all key litigation decisions in consultation with the client, and to recognize when any
concerns should be discussed with the Section Supervisor and Division Head.
* The attorney must prepare and respond to discovery, conduct and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses,
prepare witnesses for testifying at depositions and before various tribunals, organize evidence, conduct legal and factual
research, prepare and file legal documents (pleadings, motions, briefs, posttrial motions, etc.), prepare records on appeal,
argue motions, appeals, engage in formal and informal mediation, and try cases.
* The subject matter involved in representation is complex. The attorney must develop and maintain an understanding of
the clients’ programs, State and federal statutory, regulatory, and case law, as well as an understanding of matters
pertaining to legal representation such as civil procedure, e-discovery, legal research databases, legal ethics, and rules of
courts.
* The attorney must also provide clear direction to other attorney members of litigation teams, to paralegals and program
assistants, and utilize their services as appropriate. The attorney is expected to maintain good working relationships with
all employees.

Respond to Inquiries from Client, the Public and Officials

* The attorney in this position responds to inquiries from the clients, the general public and public officials involving legal
interpretation and application of statutes, rules and regulations to specific factual situations and as related to general
policies and procedures, by conducting legal research and rendering opinions based on this research. The attorney must
have the capability to research and respond to complex issues.

Prepare and Argue Criminal Appellate Cases

* The attorney in this position will be expected to represent the State in criminal cases on appeal from superior courts.
These cases will involve complex issues of North Carolina criminal law as well as State and federal constitutional law, and
may involve cases of first impression.


**Some travel, including some occasional overnight stays are required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Management Preferences: N/A

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 three 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.

The North Carolina 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. 

The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits.

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:

Paul Jay Makowski

Recruiter Email:

Recruiters@ncdoj.gov