Deputy General Counsel Administrative Office of the Courts Concord (#25-120)

Deputy General Counsel Administrative Office of the Courts Concord (#25-120)

**INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY**

Step 1: Complete the PDF application on the Website https://www.courts.state.nh.us/forms/nhjb-2099-dfps.pdf

Step 2: E-mail application to: applications@courts.state.nh.us OR fax application to: (603) 513-5454 OR mail application to: Administrative Office of the Courts Human Resources Department One Granite Place, Suite N400 Concord, NH 03301

Your application may not be considered without a position number listed at the top.

DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL - This is a full-time position working in the New Hampshire Court System, subject to the sufficient and continued funding of the Judicial Branch by the New Hampshire Legislature.

DEFINITION OF WORK 

The General Counsel’s Office provides legal guidance to the Judicial Branch, including the Supreme Court, the Superior Court, the Circuit Court, the Judicial Branch’s Administrative Council, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and other judicial officers and staff. The General Counsel’s Office oversees all legal matters affecting the Judicial Branch, including litigation, compliance, contracts, legislative and government relations, and legal coordination with court partners and external agencies, and ensures that all actions and policies of the Judicial Branch comply with federal and state law and judicial rules.

The role of Deputy General Counsel is a senior-level public policy position involving direct communication and interaction with Judicial Branch leadership, legislators, officials from all branches of state government, and other stakeholders. The individual occupying this position provides legal services with respect to the entire scope of the General Counsel’s Office responsibilities, with a special emphasis on ensuring the efficient and effective coordination and oversight of Judicial Branch legislative activities and matters involving public access to information and judicial proceedings. The governmental relations emphasis will include, but not be limited to, drafting, researching, and tracking legislation, as well as providing testimony at legislative hearings and building and maintaining cohesive intergovernmental working relationships. The Deputy General Counsel will report to and coordinate efforts with the General Counsel to ensure effective, cohesive, and efficient legal counsel to the Judicial Branch.

REPORTING LINES 

This position reports to the General Counsel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED) 

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties, which may be performed or supervised.) 

Legal Services:

• Provide legal advice and representation to the Judicial Branch on a wide range of issues including constitutional, statutory, regulatory, employment, procurement, ethics, and administrative law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and other legal agreements.
• Work with outside counsel handling litigation or specialized legal matters.
• Represent the Judicial Branch in administrative and judicial proceedings and in interactions with state agencies and legal organizations.
• Coordinate the Judicial Branch’s responses to public records requests.

Government Relations:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Judicial Branch and the Executive and Legislative Branches of government.
• Monitor proposed legislation and regulations that may affect the Judicial Branch; provide legal analysis and develop policy positions.
• Prepare fiscal notes for presentation to the Office of the Legislative Budget Assistant.
• Work with the judicial training coordinator, court administrators, clerks and subject matter experts to analyze and anticipate the effects of proposed legislation on court procedures and substantive law.
• Coordinate testimony and appearances before legislative committees and attend legislative hearings as needed.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with lawmakers, legislative staff, and executive agencies.
• Prepare annual legislative priorities in coordination with Judicial Branch leadership.

Legal Coordination:

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional legal initiatives with judges, court administrators, clerks, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of legal standards across court divisions.
• Collaborate with state agencies, bar associations, and legal advocacy groups on legal and policy initiatives.
• Develop legal training and resource materials for judicial officers and staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• The Deputy General Counsel may in the future be called upon to provide leadership and oversight for legal interns and contractors when applicable.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including experience in government, public policy, or judicial systems.
• Prior experience working with or within the legislative or executive branches strongly preferred.

Licenses or Certifications

• Licensed to practice law and in good standing with the state bar.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of a background check, including criminal records check

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Extensive knowledge of constitutional law and administrative law.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and public policy development.
• Familiarity with judicial system operations, or the willingness to learn these functions.

Skill in:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear and practical legal advice.

Ability to:

• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and professional discretion.
• Ability to work collaboratively with judges, court staff, government officials, and stakeholders.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This position description represents general duties and is not intended to list every specific function of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard office environment with some travel required for meetings, hearings, and conferences. May require extended hours during legislative sessions or high-priority legal matters.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $97,286.80 - $143,286.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person