Special Deputy Attorney General/Education (60010176)

Interested in being part of a dynamic group of attorneys who provide a full range of legal services to the University of North Carolina and its 17 publicly funded campuses?

The position provides a great opportunity for a litigator to handle complex cases involving novel constitutional arguments related to higher education and employment matters. The cases are routinely decided at all levels of federal and state appellate courts.

THE STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS LIMITED TO $92,917 - $115,937. Salary offers for the selected candidate are based on the candidate's education and experience related to the position, as well as our agency budget and equity.

This position is located in the Education section and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Education Section is primarily responsible for providing the full range of legal services to State education agencies, i.e., the State Board of Education, the Department of Public Instruction, The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina, the constituent institutions of the University, the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, the State Board of Community Colleges and the Department of Community Colleges.

The primary purpose of this Attorney IV position is to enhance the ability of the University of North Carolina to be represented in complex, multi-party, novel, first impression and precedent setting, high-profile, and protracted lawsuits at all levels and in all courts of the State and the United States. The Attorney IV, which is funded by the University of North Carolina, independently litigates complex, novel, and precedent setting legal matters, filed against the constituent universities.

Management has requested a writing sample (between 10-20 pages in length) from a civil case.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• This Attorney IV is independently responsible for all aspects of complex and significant litigation filed against the University of North Carolina, its constituent institutions and their administrators, faculty and employees. The Attorney IV independently litigates trials and appeals in these complex matters in state and federal courts and on appeal.
• This position is exposed to a range of interesting and challenging issues relevant to higher education institutions and has the opportunity to interact regularly with the General Counsels throughout the University of North Carolina, which includes the System Office and the 17 constituent campuses.
• The Attorney IV serves as an expert resource for the universities in making risk assessments before and after litigation has been initiated.
• The Attorney IV works independently in determining case strategy, developing litigation tactics, and conducting litigation which impacts the jurisprudence of the State.
• This Attorney IV prepares formal and informal opinions in response to questions regarding the interpretation of State and federal statutes and regulations affecting the University of North Carolina, participates in various professional service activities, including CLE presentations on areas of expertise; and answers correspondence and telephone inquiries from the public on issues regarding or affecting the University of North Carolina.
• This attorney handles criminal briefs on appeal by the defendant to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

This position requires travel, including overnight travel, as part of its assigned duties. The caseload and other responsibilities may occasionally require that additional hours be worked. Hybrid telework opportunities are available for this position.

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.

Salary

• $92,917 - $209,064/year

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Ability to determine issues in various cases.
Ability to analyze complex legal problems and render formal opinions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to creatively develop case strategy and tactics

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and four 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.

Management preferences:Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with management, colleagues and clients; experience independently handling complex litigation; ability to multi-task and prioritize case deadlines effectively; and ability to provide high-quality, persuasive written work product

How to Apply

Note the following: If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.

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.

Transcripts: Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. A copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received can be uploaded with your application. If a transcript has been requested, your application will be considered incomplete if you do not provide one. Using a photograph of your diploma is not acceptable.

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.

Any licenses or certificates must be included in the appropriate section of the application form.

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 or discharge orders.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if you are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If you are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, you must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.

Application status: To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks. All applicants will be notified by email once a position is filled.

If you are having technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the NC DOJ Human Resources office.

The NC Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The NC Department of Justice uses Merit-Based Recruitment to select from among the most qualified applicants to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Department of Justice
Human Resources
humanresources@ncdoj.gov

Benefits

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.

For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.