Title: Attorney

State Role Title: Attorney

Hiring Range: Up to $79,500

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Div of Legislative Services

Business Unit: Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council

Location: General Assembly Bldg

Agency Website: https://dls.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Overview

The Freedom of Information Advisory Council (the Council) and its staff assist private citizens, public officials, and members of the media in interpreting and applying Virginia’s laws governing access to public records and meetings. In addition, the Council provides training on the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (the Act) to state and local employees and officials, and conducts studies of FOIA-related issues as directed by the General Assembly. The Council is seeking an Attorney to provide legal advice, written guidance, and training on the Act to public officials, government employees, members of the public, and media.

Job Duties

• Providing high quality finalized informal opinions.
• Drafting Formal Advisory Opinions for requestors in a timely manner. 
• Providing training on the Act to officials, employees and other interested citizens.
• Drafting legislation related to the Act as may be required by the Division of Legislative Services.
• Preparing speaking points and memoranda as requested by Council members or members of the General Assembly.
• Analyzing legislation or regulations related to the Act.
• Effectively communicating complex legal or policy issues to a variety of requestors, in-person, on the phone, or by email, as required.
• Developing alternative solutions for legal or policy issues or questions.
• Accurately determining the scope and relevance of information in an efficient manner.
• Authoring articles, training materials, or legislative guides relevant to the Act.
• Assisting with the provision of staff support to the Council.
• Completing any additionally assigned tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Familiarity with the functions of the House of Delegates and the Senate.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Highly organized and diligent.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to multitask and take on multiple projects at once.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while also open to collaboration.
  

Education and Experience 

• Minimum Education and Experience:
  • Member of the Virginia Bar in good standing with active status.
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
• Preferred Experience:
  • 1-2 years of experience in an advanced staffing or policy analysis role.
  • Experience working as part of a team on complex, sensitive issues requiring professionalism, critical thinking, and creativity.
  • Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer services.
    

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a cover letter and resume.

Contact Information

Name: Eleni Georgiou

Email: egeorgiou@dls.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.