Job Vacancy Announcement- Director, Legal Services
Job Vacancy Announcement- Director, Legal Services
Location: Headquarters – Atlanta (Fulton County)
Job Code: LEM023
Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 29, 2019
The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the day-to-day operation of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD).
The Legal Services Office provides assistance to the Commissioner and to the employees of the Department concerning matters associated with the daily operations of the Department and serves as the primary liaison with the Office of the Attorney General. This position is perfect for candidates who seek a challenging opportunity to work on a wide variety of issues that impact public safety. This position reports to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
Key responsibilities:
- Oversees all aspects of the Legal Services Office, including serving as limited appointing authority for all employees assigned to Legal Services, the Open Records Unit and the ALS (Administrative License Suspension) Unit and assigning work based on resources, staffing, and workload
- Serves as Ethics Officer for the Department and manages all issues related to the DPS Nomenclature Act.
- Oversees the planning and organization of legal services work to meet the organization’s objectives
- Provides guidance regarding all aspects of daily operations of the department
- Conducts legal research involving current federal and state law affecting the department in such diverse areas as contracts, property, human resources, administrative and criminal law
- Drafts, manages, and reviews proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and correspondence and provides necessary updates to management team
- Maintains knowledge of trends and changes in laws and court decisions related to the mission of the department
- Oversees the review, negotiation, and drafting of contracts and other documents
- Serves as the primary liaison to the State Law Department and oversees assistance with discovery responses, trial preparation, and other issues as required
- Prepares grant and contract proposals, and administers contracts with funding agencies
- Teaches classes on a variety of topics which may relate to legal and non-legal topics
- Serves as agency representative in administrative hearings
- Reviews investigative reports and provides guidance and feedback to managers
- Publishes the DPS Legal Review, a monthly newsletter highlighting significant legal issues for the law enforcement community
- Reviews all matters related to the asset forfeiture program and serves as a resource regarding compliance with federal requirements.
Required Personal Characteristics:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to effectively lead and supervise non-lawyers
- Ability to effectively interact and provide support and guidance to agency leaders.
- High integrity and honesty.
- Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
- Ability to teach classes to non-lawyers
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and manage multiple projects
- Ability to effectively plan and prioritize multiple assignments to meet established deadlines.
- Strong commitment to providing superior customer service to both internal and external customers.
- Positive attitude and high-levels of personal commitment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND licensed to practice law in Georgia AND Eight years of management related legal experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia
State government legal experience
Familiarity with state government structure and operations
Two years of experience in one or more areas: employment law, criminal prosecutions, administrative hearings, contract drafting and review, drafting and review of state legislation and/or regulations, representation of government agency.
Instructions to apply for this position:
Only applicants chosen for interview will be contacted. This is an unclassified position unless filled by a classified employee.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees and applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, natural origin, age, disability or genetic information.