STAFF ATTORNEY 22125

06/01/94 B

This is the first class in the Staff Attorney series. Positions in this class specialize in laws pertaining to the assigned agency's operations. Duties include representing the agency in court proceedings; coordinating legal research and advocacy systems for the protection of clients; and providing technical assistance, training, and services to state attorneys. The work is distinguished from the Staff Attorney Senior class by the latter's responsibility for litigating cases in court and representing the state in the full practice of law (Code of Virginia, sections 2.1-121 and 2.1-122).

Complexity of Work: Positions perform work of moderate difficulty in the prosecution of cases, representation on legal proceedings, or in the research of decisions, policies, and regulations affecting clients. Typically positions engage in legal work as it pertains to agency operations, function as legal advisor on various aspects of agency operations, and assist in the resolution of disputes surrounding legal issues and concerns. Positions gather and analyze evidence in cases; review pertinent decisions, policies, regulations, and other legal matters pertaining to cases; present evidence against accused in hearings; appear against accused in court of law giving evidence before a judge or other judiciary; analyze state and federal legislation and litigation records; participate in the development of the legal portion of advocacy workshops; prepare legal briefs concerning decisions of state and federal appellate courts; conduct research of legal problems; draft legal memoranda concerning legal issues; conduct legal education seminars; advise on criminal justice issues; analyze legal problems; and conduct seminars and training.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor. May supervise the work of office services staff.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from an agency administrator or deputy. Performs work independently, developing own work sequences and methods within established policies.

Scope: Work involves state law, policies and regulations which have a significant affect on claimant's benefits, settlements, and relief through the enforcement of laws.

Impact of Actions: Serious impact when collecting monies owed the state, conducting hearings, and prosecuting cases.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contacts with attorneys, law firms, and clients. Some internal and external contacts with court clerks, judges, trustees, service providers, and consumer constituent groups.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge: Working knowledge of agency operations and mission, state and federal laws and regulations, and state civil procedures and applicable federal law.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing; operate equipment used for computation, prosecute cases effectively; analyze problems and develop solutions; to plan, direct, and implement courses of action; and to monitor related federal and state programs.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited school of law.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in the analysis of legislation.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised by a Department of Personnel and Training Analyst, effective June 1, 1994.