Job Vacancy Announcement: Attorney

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

Job Code – LEP020

Salary range: Up to $98,579

Note: The selected candidate will be hired at the level (Attorney 1, 2, 3 or 4) that best matches their education and experience, and the salary will be commensurate with experience.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS or Department) oversees the day-to-day operations of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD). We currently have a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an Attorney, which provides assistance to the DPS Commissioner and Department employees concerning matters associated with the daily operations of the Department and serves as the primary liaison with the Office of the Attorney General. This position reports to the agency’s Deputy Legal Director.

This position is perfect for candidates who seek a challenging and rewarding opportunity without sacrificing work-life balance. This position offers an opportunity to work on a wide variety of issues that impact public safety, including regularly serving as the agency representative in administrative hearings.

Key responsibilities:

• Serves as legal resource for matters handled by the Motor Carrier Compliance Division, including household goods and nonconsensual towing tariffs, permitting and regulations.
• Serves as agency representative in administrative hearings on overweight citations issued to commercial vehicles.
• Reviews completed investigations of complaints relating to improper use of speed detection device permits and emergency light permits for further determination.
• Serves as legal resource for matters relating to wrecker services utilized by Georgia State Patrol Posts in accordance with Department policy.
• Serves as legal resource for questions of internal and external customers concerning issues of public safety and the operations of the Department.
• Provides verbal and written analysis, answers, or recommendations regarding all aspects of daily operations of the Department, including legal, liability and risk management issues.
• Drafts or assists in drafting a monthly legal update of cases impacting issues related to the Department’s mission.
• Identifies and resolves, or assists in the resolution of, legal problems.
• Researches and analyzes current statutory, regulatory, and case law affecting the Department.
• Assists the Director and Deputy Director with drafting, managing, and reviewing proposed legislation and regulations and providing necessary updates to management team.
• Assists the Director and Deputy Director with assignments related to contracts, property, open records, litigation, and employment matters.
• Maintains knowledge of trends and changes in laws and court decisions related to the mission of the Department.
• Teaches classes on a variety of topics which may relate to legal and non-legal topics, including at Trooper School.

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 with 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 a high-level 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

§One year of experience in one or more areas: criminal prosecutions, administrative hearings, contract drafting and review, drafting and review of state legislation and/or regulations, representation of government agency

Selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation. This includes a review of criminal, driver’s, and credit history. No polygraph examination is required for this position.

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 Opportunity Employer. Employees and applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, natural origin, age, disability or genetic information.