POSITION SUMMARY: The Elections Staff Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division. Responsibilities include supporting the Elections Director and General Counsel, reviewing and drafting responses to Open Records Requests, conducting legal research on election-related issues, managing election-related litigation, and assisting with any other legal matters as requested.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interprets and applies state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and monitors legislation as it relates to the Elections Division.
• Drafts legal opinions, memos, and messages for local election officials.
• Conducts legal research, including researching precedents.
• Reviews responsive documents for Open Records Requests and drafts responses for all requests for the Division.
• Reviews election training curriculum and materials to be used to train local election officials on election laws and processes.
• Occasionally presents election trainings to county and municipal election officials.
• Reviews election forms to be used by election officials.
• Interacts with candidates and potential candidates during candidate qualifying procedures.
• Assists the Elections Director, Deputy Director(s), and Elections Division staff with interpreting the law and making operational decisions.
• Develops and maintains effective internal control structures for assigned functions to ensure timely and accurate completion of all assignments and responsibilities.
• Assists the Attorney General’s office and General Counsel in managing elections-related litigation, including responding to discovery requests.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Ability to work well as a member of a team and individually.
• Knowledge of statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations, and departmental policies.
• Legal research and analysis skills.
• Knowledge of legal methods and processes, including administrative regulation process, legislative drafting, and the legislative process.
• Knowledge of government operations.
• Strong legal writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts and present materials in clear and logical form for oral and written presentation.
• Ability to advise departmental administrators on points of law affecting the agency.
• Ability to determine compliance with rules and regulations.
• Organizational skills.

SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS:  Responsible for supervising paralegals and Open Records staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Minimum of one (1) year of legal experience with excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills.

Prior legal experience in state or federal government service, civil litigation, or administrative proceedings preferred. Knowledge of state and federal elections laws and case decisions preferred but not required.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:  Graduate of an accredited law school with J.D. Degree and licensed to practice law in Georgia. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.