Job description

General Counsel NH Judicial Branch Administrative Office of the Courts (Position #23-75)

GENERAL SUMMARY

Highly responsible, confidential position serving as in-house legal counsel providing legal advice and representation for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), which serves as the business component of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch (NHJB), and for the courts in matters of administration including but not limited to personnel matters, threatened civil actions against employees, administrative staff and judicial officers, and other matters not related to the adjudicative function of the courts. The individual in this position is expected to exercise a high degree of initiative and critical thinking. This position may have supervisory responsibility of one or more subordinate staff.

Employees in this position may be required to travel during the regular course of business and are subject to transfer or reassignment at the discretion of the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. The position is subject to sufficient and continued funding by the Legislature.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

· Provides legal analysis and advice on laws, rules and regulations for the purpose of furthering the effective administration and operation of the judicial branch.

· Conducts legal research and provides legal advice and representation to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, members of the Supreme Court, the Director, and members of the Judicial Branch Administrative Council in their respective administrative functions. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court serves as the administrative head of the Branch.

· Negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts in which the judicial branch is a party as assigned by the Director.

· Provides legal advice on employer-employee and labor relations; assists with negotiating labor management issues and contracts and serves as lead negotiator as assigned by the Director after consultation with the Chief Justice; conducts or monitors administrative or other hearings.

· Analyzes and prepares legal memoranda and opinions on issues referred by the Director.

· Monitors, tracks, and reports on legislation, analyzes proposed legislation regarding its fiscal and operational impact on the Judicial Branch, and testifies on legislation, all as requested by the Director.

· Administers and coordinates legal activities where the AOC, the NHJB or any of the courts is a party in interest, or is an interested third party.

· Provides legal advice on open records, public records, and governmental privacy.

· Compiles reports as required by statute, rule or policy, or otherwise required by the Director.

· Supervises, schedules, assigns work to, monitors work of, and evaluates employees assigned to the Legal Department.

· Other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

· Juris Doctor.

· Seven (7) years as a practicing attorney or equivalent experience, preferably with significant experience representing governmental entities and prior experience with New Hampshire law.

· Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Licenses or Certifications

· Admitted to practice law in the State of New Hampshire.

· Valid driver’s license.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

· Must successfully pass motor vehicle and criminal record checks.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledgeable in:

· State of New Hampshire’s statutes, rules and administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable federal statutes, rules and requirements.

· Employment law and labor relations.

· Hearing procedures and policies, legal documents, and laws.

· Office365 and Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

· Office practices and procedures.

Skilled in:

· Communicating effectively with a wide variety of constituent groups.

· Conflict resolution with proven success in helping others build consensus and work toward mutual understanding.

· Planning and analysis.

· Decision-making.

· Organization and prioritization.

· Legal research, analysis, and writing.

· Data gathering and compilation.

Ability to:

· Prepare legal pleadings, briefs, and memoranda.

· Perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.

· Meet work schedules and deadlines.

· Perform required tasks with a minimum of supervision and with independent judgment.

· Express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

· Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and professional, working relationships with associates and representatives of other federal and state departments, courts, boards, applicants, law schools, and the public.

· Maintain confidentiality.

· Supervise staff and volunteers.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2023

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE POSITION ABOVE

Print application from the HR Job Postings page on the website https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/nhjb-2099-dfps.pdf

(Applications are required. Resumes may be submitted to supplement the Application

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

Applications and specific position number are required.

The NH Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $86,697.00 - $127,686.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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