Administrative Positions- Legal Officer
Legal Officer
Location: Atlanta, GA
Application deadline: Open until filled
Submit resume to: [email protected]
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). We currently have a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a Legal Officer in the Legal Services Division. 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 reports to the agency’s Director of Legal Services. This position is perfect for candidates who seek a challenging opportunity to work on a wide variety of issues that impact public safety.
Key responsibilities:
- Maintains effective working relationships with local, state, and federal officials and agencies such as judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies
- Drafts, manages, and reviews proposed legislation and regulations and provides necessary updates to management team
- Conducts legal research involving current federal and state law affecting the department in such diverse areas as contracts, property, labor relations, administrative and criminal law
- Provides guidance regarding all aspects of daily operations of the department
- Maintains knowledge of trends and changes in laws and court decisions related to the mission of the department
- Reviews, negotiates and drafts contracts and other documents
- Serves as liaison to State Law Department and provides 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 feedback to managers
Required Personal Characteristics:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to teach classes to non-lawyers
- Ability to function in a fast paced environment and manage multiple projects
- Ability to effectively plan and prioritize multiple assignments to meet established deadlines.
- Ability to effectively interact and provide support and guidance to agency leaders.
- High integrity and honesty.
- Strong commitment to providing superior customer service to both internal and external customers.
- Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
- Positive attitude and high-levels of personal commitment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Completion of a law degree AND License to practice law in the State of Georgia OR Eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination OR Reciprocity
Preferred Qualifications:
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia
- Government experience – preference to those with government legal experience
- Familiarity with state government structure and operations
- Two years of experience in one or more areas: criminal prosecutions, administrative hearings, contract drafting and review, drafting and review of state legislation and/or regulations, representation of government agency