Assistant General Counsel

Agency Adult Correction Division General Counsel Job Classification Title Assistant Agency General Counsel I (NS) Position Number Grade LG08

About Us

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Description of Work

The position works closely with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, assisting with litigation, tort claims, discovery, mediation, and settlement evaluation. It conducts legal research and analysis on federal and state laws, regulations, and case law, and provides legal advice to Department leadership and staff. This position provides comprehensive legal support to the Department. Key responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, administrative rules, legislation, and discovery responses. The role also develops and delivers legal training to law enforcement and corrections staff and serves as the administrative rules coordinator for the Division of Institutions.

Key responsibilities

The employee is expected to work independently, use sound judgment, manage confidential information appropriately, and adapt to extended hours during peak legislative periods. Occasional in‑state travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal advice and representation to various State of North Carolina agencies, departments, and officials on a wide range of legal matters, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The Knowledge Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences are not required. Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Knowledge of state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, and legal research methodologies.
• Skill in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contracts, policies, procedures, legislation, and other legal documents.
• Ability to represent the state effectively in administrative proceedings, mediations, arbitrations, and court litigation.
• Ability to provide clear, well‑reasoned legal advice on administrative law, constitutional issues, public records, open meetings, employment law, procurement, and regulatory compliance.
• Skill in developing legal strategies, mitigating risk, and collaborating with attorneys and external partners.

Additional duties include completing legal reviews of agreements and training materials, responding to subpoenas and public inquiries, coordinating records production—including for the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission—and handling sensitive special assignments from Department leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DAC: DAC uses the Merit‑Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.

Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered “Positions of Trust” will be subject to a criminal background check.

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD‑214 Member‑4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Licensed to practice law (Juris Doctor Degree) by the North Carolina State Bar and two years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.

NOTE: GS 114-2 and 114-6 make it the duty of the Attorney General of NC to represent the State of North Carolina in all litigation unless another statute specifically states otherwise.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.