Staff Attorney

Staff AttorneyExplore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia! Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens! Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!POSITION SUMMARY: Under broad supervision, the Staff Attorney (Professional Licensing Division), provides legal advice and legal services to the Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Board's Division. Responsibilities include working with the PLB Director, other legal staff, and executive directors of all boards to assist in board administration; drafting and negotiating consent orders for licensing boards and cemeteries; reviewing and drafting responses to Open Records Requests; providing legal counsel to PLB Executive Directors in the development and review of proposed rules and regulations; conducting legal research on issues related to PLB; and assisting with any other legal matters as requested.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Draft consent orders for all professional licensing boards.Research and draft memos regarding Georgia law on professional licensing.Provides analysis, recommendations, and advice to the General Counsel, PLB Director, and Executive Directors of the professional licensing boards.Reviews and responds to Open Record RequestsReviews, monitors, and implements administrative processes designed to maintain compliance with laws and regulations.Drafts new or amended legislation or regulations; reviews proposed legislation and provides analysis to the General Counsel and agency legislative staff.Drafts correspondence to licensees.Reviews investigative reports and identifies areas that require further investigation.Other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :Ability to work well as a member of a team and individually.Knowledge of statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations, and departmental policies.Legal research and analysis skills.Knowledge of legal methods and processes, including administrative regulation process, legislative drafting, and the legislative process.Knowledge of government operations.Skill in written and oral communication.Knowledge of technical legal writing.Knowledge of contract law, occupational licensing law, and administrative law.Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts and present such materials in clear and logical form for oral and written presentation.Ability to advise departmental administrators on points of law affecting the agency.Ability to determine compliance with rules and regulations.Ability to determine other potential avenues for investigation.Organizational skills.SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS: The Staff Attorney is not a supervisory role.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of one (1) year of legal experience preferred, excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of statutes and regulations administered by the PLB Division and previous experience in analyzing and investigating complex business transactions and/or participation in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings.EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Graduate of an accredited law school with J.D. Degree and licensed to practice law in Georgia. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity and one (1) year of relevant legal experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 1 (LEP020).Equal Employment Opportunity EmployerThe State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.