Attorney IV

To provide a solid Human Resource management foundation, responsible oversight, and creative solutions through a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to maximize the potential of our greatest asset – OUR EMPLOYEES.

This attorney will serve as lead counsel in complex, high-impact litigation with a primary focus on protecting public resources managed by the Wildlife Resources Commission. The position carries primary responsibility for developing and executing legal strategies to enforce state laws related to wildlife, habitat, and natural resource protection.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead Litigation Counsel: Serve as lead attorney in all phases of complex civil litigation in both state and federal courts, including pre-litigation investigation, drafting pleadings, managing discovery, overseeing expert witness work, conducting motions practice, negotiating settlements, preparing for trial, and handling appeals.

Strategic Legal Leadership: Develop and direct litigation strategies in consultation with agency leadership, legal teams, and technical experts, ensuring alignment with statutory mandates and policy objectives.

Advisory Role to Agencies: Provide proactive legal counsel to the Wildlife Resources Commission and other state agencies on enforcement options, legal remedies, and litigation risks, with an emphasis on achieving durable, statewide environmental outcomes.

lnteragency and External Coordination: Lead coordination efforts with other governmental bodies, outside counsel, scientific and technical experts, and enforcement entities to support cohesive legal positions and strengthen the evidentiary record.

Public Interest Representation: Represent the legal and policy interests of the WRC in cases with wide-reaching implications for the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the public trust.

This position requires exceptional litigation skills, deep subject matter knowledge, and the ability to independently lead legal action in high-profile, resource-intensive cases. The attorney must be committed to the State's mission of protecting its natural resources through effective legal advocacy and enforcement.

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.

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and four 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.

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.