Assistant Attorney General

Summary Of Work

The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state of North Dakota, and the Attorney General's Office serves more than 70 state agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as the University System, the State Board of Higher Education, and various colleges and universities. In furtherance of its mission to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to officials, agencies, and people of the state of North Dakota, the General Counsel Division serves as legal counsel to the state agencies, boards, and commissions.

It also researches and drafts Attorney General opinions regarding legal questions and open records and meetings, and reviews administrative rules for legality.

The position is responsible for providing general counsel legal advice on a daily basis to North Dakota colleges and universities; it will provide legal advice on relevant state and federal laws; and will include the review and negotiation of contracts for clients.

• Provide clear and comprehensive legal advice and representation to clients;
• Assist clients with procurement, contract review, and negotiation;
• Maintain a proactive approach in initiating communication with clients to preemptively address legal concerns;
• Conduct research on pertinent state and federal legal issues;
• Keep abreast of recent state and federal legal and legislative developments relevant to clients and practice areas;
• Attend client, board, departmental, and division meetings, as required;
• Assist clients with drafting legislation and legislative testimony, as requested;
• Review administrative rules for legality;
• Research and draft formal Attorney General opinions; and
• Perform other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Division Director.

To be successful in this position, an attorney would be proactive in communicating with their clients to preempt legal challenges. They would be committed to remaining informed of state and federal legislative developments, rule making initiatives, and relevant court decisions affecting their clients. Critical thinking skills, the ability to be open minded, and an aptitude for problem solving is crucial.

In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes fully paid health insurance for employee and family, the option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family, participation in the state NDPERS defined contribution retirement plans (depending on date of hire) as well as the option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan, the option to contribute to a medical spending account, and earning annual and sick leave.

The General Counsel Division is a family-friendly workplace that emphasizes a collaborative and flexible working environment. Employees in this position are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This is an in-person position located in Bismarck, ND.

• Licensed, or the expectation of imminent licensure, to practice law in North Dakota;
• Two or more years of legal experience is preferred, but not required;
• High ethical standards and clean discipline record;
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Excellent communication, client management, and legal research and writing skills;
• Excellent time management and organization skills;
• Ability to write and speak in clear, concise, and understandable terms;
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and professional discretion in the identification, analysis, management, and resolution of legal problems;
• Demonstrates an ability to maintain effective and collegial working relationships; and
• Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks.

“Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt

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