Staff Attorney

Applicants are encouraged to apply as the Department may conduct interviews as applications are received.

Summary of WorkThis position is responsible for collaborating with Insurance Department staff and fellow attorneys to: provide legal advice and opinions for the Insurance Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and other Department employees; advise agency staff on legal matters; draft legislation and legal documents; and represent the Department in regulatory matters including administrative hearings, legislative hearings and litigation in court. The position works under the direction of the Department’s General Counsel to provide a wide variety of legal support to the Department staff members. The ideal candidate for this position must enjoy collaborating and interacting with non-attorney subject matter experts, consumer protection professionals and other attorneys. The Department values the ability to develop strong working relationships and collaborative work that produces optimum results.

Responsibilities:Collaborate with Department staff to provide legal opinions regarding insurance regulation and develop administrative and civil enforcement actions.Educate Department staff on the law concerning the business of insurance, and act as an insurance and regulatory law resource to Department staff. Investigate, perform legal analyses, summarize, and brief insurance agent and company regulatory violations.Conduct legal research relating to the business of insurance and administrative agency regulations.Respond to insurance regulation inquiries from the general public, the insurance industry, and others, and provide guidance.Respond to legal inquiries from North Dakota legislators and legislative council and represent the Department during the regular session and interim session at hearings and committee meetings.Draft and assist other Department staff in drafting legislation and administrative rules.Draft orders and agreements and represent the Department in administrative or civil proceedings or coordinate with outside counselRepresent the Department in judicial proceedings, including administrative hearings, in a competent, effective, and ethical manner.Negotiate resolutions of civil and administrative proceedings.Assist with regulatory examinations of insurance companies.Coordinate work with insurance regulators in other states, other North Dakota agencies, and federal agencies.Keep up to date on state and federal insurance issues, case law, regulations, and practices. Participate in national committee conference calls and meetings, including travel to national insurance regulation conferences and meetings.Engage in insurance education courses to become a competent insurance regulation resource.Perform other duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel.

Minimum QualificationsA Juris Doctorate degree and a license to practice law in North Dakota.High ethical standards and a positive personnel history.Experience as an attorney collaborating with non-attorneys.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong interpersonal skills needed to work well with clients, colleagues, government officials, and the public.Good judgment, strong reliability, and a willingness to devote time and energy necessary to provide excellent services to the Insurance Commissioner and staff members.Excellent time management and organization skills.Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and criminal record checks.

Preferred QualificationsPreferred Experience or Demonstrate Ability to Learn Related Subject MatterKnowledge and application of state and federal regulatory lawWestLaw researchLegislative drafting