Job Vacancy Announcement: Attorney 3 

Location: Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters – Atlanta (Fulton County)

Job Code – LEP022

Pay Grade –M

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the day-to-day operations of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD). We currently have an opening for an Attorney 3 in the Legal Services Division. This position offers a qualified lawyer with an exciting career opportunity in public safety, with a work-life balance.

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. The advertised position reports to the Department’s Director of Legal Services.

Key responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities for this position are to review and modify service contracts for legal sufficiency, and to analyze, draft, review, amend, and finalize local government agreements involving public safety and property, in compliance with State law governing State agencies.

In addition, this position requires the following responsibilities:

§ Serves as the Department’s representative for matters of property and contracts at meetings of the Board of Public Safety and the State Properties Commission.

§ Implements administrative processes designed to maintain and monitor compliance with State property practices and procedures.

§ Communicates with the Department’s leadership to ensure the substance and sufficiency of service contracts and property agreements.

§ Serves as a resource to answer questions of internal and external customers concerning issues of public safety and the operations of the Department.

§ Identifies and resolves, or assists in the resolution of, legal problems.

§ Researches and analyzes current statutory, regulatory and case law affecting the Department.

§ Provides verbal and written analysis, answers, or recommendations regarding legal, liability and risk management issues.

§ Reviews or assists in reviewing completed investigations of complaints relating to improper use of speed detection device permits and emergency light permits.

§ Assists in matters relating to wrecker services utilized by Georgia State Patrol Posts and other elements of the Department in accordance with Department policy.

§ Maintains effective working relationships with local, state, and federal officials and agencies such as judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies.

§ Maintains knowledge of trends and changes in laws and court decisions related to the mission of the Department.

§ Teaches classes on a variety of legal and non-legal topics.

§ Drafts or assists in drafting a monthly legal update of cases impacting issues related to the Department’s mission.

§ Reviews, monitors, and summarizes proposed and newly-enacted legislation, including laws that impact the Department.

§ Serves or assists in serving as the Department’s representative in administrative hearings.

§ Provides assistance with discovery responses, designation of witnesses, and trial preparation, in coordination with the State Law Department.

Required Personal Characteristics:

§ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

§ Excellent writing skills

§ Ability to identify and analyze problems

§ High level of self-motivation

§ Good time-management skills

§ Ability to teach classes to non-lawyers

§ Ability to effectively plan and prioritize multiple projects 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

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: contract drafting and review, property law, procurement law, regulation interpretation and compliance, administrative hearings, and representation of a government agency.

Application deadline: Open until filled

Only applicants chosen for interview will be contacted. This is an unclassified position unless filled by a classified employee. The Georgia Department of Public Safety is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.