Transportation Attorney 1 - Kanawha County

*** THIS IS AN EXEMPT POSITION ***

The Transportation Attorney I for the West Virginia Department of Transportation works under the Executive Division, Division Director and/or Attorney Manager. This position preforms legal support duties in a specialized legal practice area for the Real Property Section of the Legal Division. In this position there is a responsibility to recommend solutions on problems that may come from both within and outside of the Agency which may require analysis and probing to develop a conclusion.  This position will analyze and make recommendations to the Attorney Manager and/or Division Director. The candidate will use independent judgement in the interpretation and adaption of policies and guidelines all related to Real Property and Condemnation issues. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to work with and maintain confidential information. Must be discreet and tactful in safeguarding sensitive information. A valid driver's license and a willingness to travel statewide are required.

• Provide support to Division staff of a specialized legal practice area including attorneys, and administrative support in determining case strategy, developing litigation tactics, research, investigations, and conducting litigation
• Report to the Director and/or Attorney Manager
• Rendering legal recommendations to the Director and/or Attorney Supervisor
• Must use independent judgment in the interpretation and adaption of policies and guidelines
• May represent the agency before administrative forums not requiring law license
• Performs legal work in connection specialized area of assignment such as contract law, employment law, real property law, collections and civil litigation matters
• Makes recommendations to Director and/or Attorney Manager regarding further appeal of contested cases
• Consults with agency staff on the interpretation of court opinions and statutes, the application of rules and regulations, and related matters where a serious legal issue is involved
• Personal contacts are with individuals or groups from outside the agency in a moderately unstructured setting
• Answering telephone inquiries, written inquiries including Freedom of Information Act requests and correspondence
• Performs related duties as assigned
• Travel may be required, therefore; a valid driver’s license is required.

• Knowledge of statutes, court opinions, and Attorney General opinions

• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures

• Ability to conduct complex civil and administrative litigation in trial and appellate courts

• Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments

• Ability to interpret and apply laws, constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and court decisions.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, other WVDOT divisions, the public, and the federal government

• Ability to communicate effectively and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically both orally and in writing

• Significant education or training is required to carry out duties in this level

• Work is generally administrative or professional requiring knowledge pertinent related education and experience

• Ability to supervise and direct the work of subordinate attorneys and other staff members in the conduct of legal affairs and establish and review results

• Ability to effectively coordinate staff functions in the provision of competent legal assistance to the Agency

• Ability to determine issues in various cases

• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and render formal opinions

• Ability to creatively develop case strategy and tactics and have excellent skills in problem solving

• Ability to demonstrate discretion

• Ability to mentor, develop, and train administrative staff

REQUIRED TRAINING/EDUCATION 

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate.

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• This is the entry level classification in this series. No prior experience is required.