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This is legal and/or administrative work at the executive level involving responsibility for handling legal matters including cases concerning fraud, federal or state regulations, and state leases and contracts; implementing state procedures; and supervising legal personnel. A majority of the functions performed by an incumbent within a state agency involve determination and advocacy of public policy governing federal and state programs. The work can include analyzing and interpreting state, federal and agency regulations; preparing documents and instruments for administrative and executive decisions and actions; representing the state and/or agency in court; performing legal research and preparing legal briefs. Supervision is received from an administrative superior within an agency and is closely coordinated with the Attorney General's office, from which permission is received to represent the state in court.
Examples of Work: Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

Recommends to the appointing authority, if employed within an agency, organization consistent with federal and state laws and regulations governing the state.

Represents the state and/or the agency regarding explanation of policy to the general public and justification of program policy development and innovation to state and federal approving agencies.

Represents the state and/or the agency in general legal matters and assists in the defense of the state and/or the agency with the approval of the Attorney General.

Conducts legal research and prepares opinions and briefs.

Consults with the Attorney General for opinions on legal issues regarding the interpretation and administration of state law.

Confers with federal agencies concerning federal regulations, procedures or issues affecting the state and/or the agency.

Supervises and evaluates legal, auditing, investigative, and secretarial staff.

Examines and/or prepares legal documents, agreements, contracts, leases or any other instruments affecting the state and/or the agency.

Counsels the appointing authority, if employed within an agency, on matters of policy and procedure.

Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.

The following competencies describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attributes that lead to a successful employee in this position. An applicant will be expected to exhibit these competencies or

the ability to reach competency achievement within a specified time. These competencies are linked to the essential functions of the job. Employees in this position may be evaluated on these competencies as part of the performance appraisal system. Example behaviors are listed below each competency and are used for illustrative purposes only. Specific behaviors may be identified and included later by the hiring agency. It is understood that some of these behaviors might not be acquired until a reasonable time after hire. Failure of an employee to successfully demonstrate some or all of these competencies, as deemed important by his or her reporting official, may result in the employee being placed on a performance improvement plan. If after a reasonable period of time, usually three (3) months, the employee fails to demonstrate successful performance, the employee may be terminated. These competencies include, but are not limited to, the following:
Minimum Qualifications: These minimum qualifications have been agreed upon by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in this job class and are based upon a job analysis and the essential functions. However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Any request to substitute related education or experience for minimum qualifications must be addressed to the Mississippi State Personnel Board in writing, identifying the related education and experience which demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position.

Experience/Educational Requirements:

Certification, Licensure, and/or Registration:

Membership in the Mississippi State Bar Association.

Required Documentation:

Applicant must attach evidence of membership in the Mississippi State Bar Association.
Essential Functions: Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring agency. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Analyzes and interprets state, federal, and agency regulations.

2. Performs legal research and prepares legal briefs.

3. Serves as a supervisor to staff and performs evaluations.

4. Serves as an advocate for the state and represents them in legal proceedings.