Legal Counsel – State of Rhode Island

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To serve as an attorney in a state office by providing legal advice and services; to serve as a hearing officer as assigned; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Assignments are received from a superior with latitude for exercise of legal judgement and initiative; work is reviewed for results obtained and conformance to established policies, rules, regulations and provisions of law.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise the work of technical and clerical employees assigned to assist.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed

To serve as a legal counsel in a state department or agency by providing legal advice and services.
To serve as a hearing officer in the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations.
To conduct legal research in regards to a variety of issues or the presentation of cases in court.
To provide legal opinions to agency staff personnel.
To draft rules, regulations, laws and amendments thereto.
To prepare detailed reports and recommendations on legal matters.
To develop and maintain legal services programs for client groups.
To represent the agency in court and to prepare the necessary briefs and legal papers.
To coordinate activities with other legal counsels and various state agencies.
To do related work as required.

Required Qualifications for Appointment

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the methods, practice and procedures of governmental law; the ability to interpret the provisions of state and federal law and to prepare opinions relating thereto for use in the administration of the functions of the department; the ability to function as a hearing officer; the ability to prepare briefs, rulings and miscellaneous legal documents; the ability to draft rules and regulations having the force and effect of law while remaining consistent with the purpose and provisions of the law; the ability to exercise independent judgement in making decisions in unusual cases involving legal matters; the ability to prepare detailed reports and recommendations; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from an accredited Law School; and
Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment in a responsible capacity within a legal services program involving the interpretation of law and the application of pertinent laws, rules regulations, polices and decisions.
Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicant must be a member of the Rhode Island Bar and must maintain such membership as a condition of employment.

Supplemental Information

The preferred candidate must have a Juris Doctorate Degree and be a member of the Rhode Island Bar.

Position is intended for Financial Services Division and, therefore, experience with insurance, banking or securities would be preferred. The position will require some travel also attending various programs within and outside the state for training purposes. Additional travel will be required to represent the department in national organizations related to financial services. The preferred candidate must be willing to work towards attaining professional certifications including the National Association of Insurance Commissioner Designation Program.

Position may also provide legal support and services to various other divisions of the Department, which include Commercial Licensing, Gaming and Athletics, Cannabis, and Building, Design and Fire Professionals. Work to be performed includes legal research and writing, legal advice and guidance, enforcement proceedings and appeals, counsel to boards, drafting and evaluation of regulations and legislation, formulation and effectuation of legal policy and related work as required.