Assistant Attorney General - Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Tobacco

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• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified (At-Will)
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• FLSA: Exempt
• Location: Topeka (Shawnee County)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; Hybrid: Two-day remote work schedule available after one year in the position

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The Office of the Kansas Attorney General’s Civil Division operates as a general-service law firm for the State of Kansas and its many constituent agencies. We provide legal advice as general counsel to agencies across State government, we represent State agencies, institutions of higher education, and employees sued in state and federal court for personal injuries, property damage, employment discrimination, and more.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Civil Division's Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) section. This section litigates cases where the State will appear as the plaintiff, affirmatively asserting and protecting State interest. The Assistant Attorney General (AAG) will oversee statewide compliance and litigate any necessary matters related to the Master Settlement Agreement, typically in a multistate arbitration forum.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

This assistant attorney general (AAG) will represent the State of Kansas in a caseload comprised of tobacco litigation and enforcement matters. A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is required. This position initiates, performs legal functions and defends an assigned caseload of tobacco enforcement actions. Duties include, but are not limited to: drafting/arguing pre-trial motions; pleading preparation; interviewing clients and witnesses; legal research and writing; conducting depositions; conducting negotiations; participating in trials with and without jury; researching interpreting and applying statutes, court decisions or other legal authority on points of law; and overall case management. Ensures Kansas’ compliance with the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).

The Civil Division houses attorneys in three sections: Defensive Litigation, Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE), and Legal Oversight & Government Counsel (LOGiC). This position is currently available in ACE.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to the position description at any time. The position description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this title. They may not include all job duties performed by employees on this job title, and additional duties may be added.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited law school
• Certificate of admission to and membership in good standing with the Bar of the Supreme Court of Kansas
• Admission to the United States District Court for the District of Kansas and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
• At least three (3) years of civil law practice experience
• A valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Admission to the United States Supreme Court preferred.
• Five (5) years of applicable civil law experience preferred.
• General familiarity with the Tobacco MSA preferred.

MINIMUM COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of fundamental subjects in civil law and procedure.
• Knowledge of the Kansas Code of Civil Procedure.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleading and presenting civil cases.
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication; organizational; analytical; and creative problem-solving skills required.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerning cases and to present such materials in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, such as orders or pleadings.
• Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
• Ability to proactively identify, prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, conflicting deadlines and possibly new areas of expertise as the law needs change.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and maintain favorable public relations and working relationships with administrative officials, local governmental officials, fellow employees, court officials and the public.
• Ability to write legal instruments, reports and correspondence.
• Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
• Ability to work independently.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements

• As a condition of employment, candidate(s) are subject to a pre-employment screening process to include a fingerprint and name-based criminal history records check and reference/background check of past and present employers. The pre-employment screening process will be waived for current OAG personnel who have previously completed the screening requirements.
• In this position, you would be authorized access to private information to the extent necessary to perform the assigned duties. Employees of the OAG are required to protect against unauthorized access to such information, ensure the security and privacy of such information, and disclose any anticipated threats or hazards to such information. Employees must be cautious not to release this information to the public or other individuals, including but not limited to OAG employees who have not been authorized or who do not have a legitimate organizational, departmental, or business need to know. Any questions regarding releasing such information to another person should be directed to the employee’s supervisor.
• State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate. A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the Office of Kansas Attorney General. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.
  If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Recruiter Contact Information

• Name: Jude Overton
• Email: careers@ag.ks.gov
• Phone: (785) 296-3666

Job Application Process

Submit the following documents with your application or via email to careers@ag.ks.gov:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample (no more than ten pages)
• Law school transcript if practicing law for less than four years
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Office of the Kansas Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize and value the uniqueness of each individual person. We believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. We see this as the best way to realize our Office’s mission. We work to ensure all employees are treated fairly and have equal opportunity. We prohibit and strongly condemn discrimination on any basis protected by law. We strive to create and to cultivate a workplace environment where every employee is treated with dignity and respect as a valued member of our team.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.