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ATTORNEY SPECIALIST

Date: May 27, 2025

Req ID: 49622

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72202

Category: STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Anticipated Starting Salary: $62,530.83

Position Summary

The Licensing Attorney is responsible for handling licensing issues involving insurance producers, agencies, adjusters, and consultants. This includes reviewing applications submitted by individuals and entities who wish to become licensed, working with investigators to investigate cases of alleged agent misconduct, and in some cases, handling hearings on alleged violations. The Licensing Attorney will also handle any appeals filed from an order issued from a hearing. Further, the Licensing Attorney will respond to verbal and written inquiries from insurance producers, others working in the insurance industry, consumers, and attorneys. The Licensing Attorney is also responsible for general legal duties, including research (statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, codes, and constitutions), and writing legal documents (memos, briefs, motions, and other pleadings for review, approval, and use by division attorneys).

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Preferred Qualification

Juris Doctor Degree

Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols.

Knowledge of legal terminology.

Knowledge of the ethical standards of the legal profession.

Knowledge of investigative standards, procedures, and techniques.

Knowledge of Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Knowledge of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.

Knowledge of insurance law.

Ability to perform legal research.

Ability to draft and negotiate legal documents on the agency's behalf.

Ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy and content.

Ability to handle confidential information.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and other relevant legal and agency contacts.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to perform mediation and litigation.

Ability to plan, organize, direct, and supervise the work of others.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

The Licensing Attorney works with investigators within the Legal Division and at times directs active investigations.

Provides legal advice and technical assistance to agency personnel.

At times and in conjunction with the License Division, the Licensing Attorney reviews applications for licensure to determine whether the applicant meets the legal requirements for licensure.

Represents the Department in hearings to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against licensees.

Responds to inquiries from insurance agents and others working in the insurance industry, attorneys, and consumers. Occasionally, the Licensing Attorney handles litigation, including administrative appeals.

Reviews and analyzes data and documentation related to agency legal matters to determine the agency’s position.

Analyzes and interprets state and federal laws and regulations to determine impact on agency programs and to prepare for potential mediation, litigation, or settlement.

Writes legal briefs, motions, and other pleadings to support arguments.

From time to time, the Licensing Attorney advises agency management on potential legal issues affecting the agency and offers a legal opinion on actions the agency may take in resolving legal issues.

Represents the agency in legal proceedings and at legislative hearings.

Drafts proposed legislation, amendments to current legislation, proposed agency regulations and amendments to agency regulations.

Position Information

Class Code: G047C

Grade: GS11

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $62,531.00 - $99,737.00

Summary

The Attorney Specialist is responsible for conducting legal research and writing legal documents for use in litigation and for providing legal assistance to the agency. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Reviews and analyzes data and documentation related to agency's legal matters to determine the agency's position on the issue. Researches case law, state law, and any applicable federal laws related to current legal issues in order to prepare for potential mediation, litigation, conciliation agreement or settlement. Writes legal briefs, motions, and other pleadings to support arguments to facilitate the mediation/litigation process. Analyzes and interprets state and federal laws to determine impact on agency programs. Advises agency management on potential legal issues affecting the agency and offers a legal opinion on actions the agency may take in resolving legal issues. Represents the agency in legal proceedings which may occur in various settings and jurisdictions. Drafts proposed legislation, amendments to current legislation, amendments to agency regulations, and represents the agency at legislative hearings. May supervise a small administrative support staff by assigning and reviewing work and evaluating the performance of the employees. May interview and recommend for hire applicants for agency vacancies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Occasional to frequent in-state travel to attend fact finding meetings, advisory meetings, hearings, and/or court proceedings is required. Occasional out-of state travel related to agency legal matters may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of state and federal laws. Knowledge of legal research and writing protocols. Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, state and federal statutes, legal precedents, and relevant legislative intent to agency legal matters. Ability to provide legal guidance and technical assistance to agency's management and staff. Ability to perform mediation / litigation. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of the administrative support staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed to practice law and admitted to the Arkansas State Bar in accordance with ACA 16-22-201. The formal education equivalent of a law degree from an accredited law school; plus three years of experience practicing law. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

Nearest Major Market:Little Rock