Attorney IV/DOT/Contract Claims & Administration (65010166)

Not sure you meet all listed requirements? Let our team take a look. Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

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.

Note to Current State Employees:

The salary grade for this position is LG09. State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. Please detail ALL work history including non-state service experience. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY or MAY NOT result.

The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits.

The Attorney IV position will independently handle the most complex, significant, high dollar exposure, high profile, or protracted litigation involving issues of environmental law on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA), These environmental matters, include, but are not limited to, planning for major projects, issues arising from government enforcement actions against the agency, compliance with environmental statutes and regulations, environmental permitting related to agency projects and activities, and suits against the agency for alleged environmental violations.

The Attorney IV prepares and litigates the most complex cases arising under state and federal environmental statutes including OPHSCA, CERCLA, RCRA, NEPA, SEPA, CAMA, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act; assists DOT and NCTA in negotiating and drafting contracts and settlement agreements related to site assessments and corrective actions at contaminated sites and in evaluating and appraising contaminated property required for highway purposes. The Attorney IV assists DOT and NCTA in its relationships with state and federal environmental agencies (NC DEQ, EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers and US Fish & Wildlife Services). Other matters include conservation easements and disputes of drainage or construction impacts.

The attorney performs other such tasks that are incidental to the performance of the work of the Department of Justice and the Transportation Division, including representing the state in criminal appeals, responding to public inquiries, and approving contracts and bonds as to form.

The Attorney IV is personally responsible for advising the agency on environmental compliance case strategy, developing litigation tactics, and conducting litigation in these proceedings. This responsibility includes case investigation, discovery, trial in superior court, federal court, administrative court, and appeals to the state and federal Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court.

The Attorney IV oversees the paralegal and less experienced attorneys who are assigned to assist in the investigation, trial, and appeal of these cases. The Attorney IV provides legal advice and representation to all branches of the agency with respect to questions of law.

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 analyze complex legal problems and render formal opinions.
Ability to creatively develop case strategy and tactics.
Ability to conduct complex civil or criminal litigation in trial and appellate courts.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations,
and court decisions.

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: Preference representing a state agency in complex litigation. Preference litigating complex environmental issues.

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.