Closing Date: 10th September, 2026
Description:
Summary of Work:The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state of North Dakota, and the Attorney General's Office serves more than 70 state agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as the University System, the State Board of Higher Education, and various colleges and universities. In furtherance of its mission to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to officials, agencies, and people of the state of North Dakota, the General Counsel Division serves as legal counsel to the state agencies, boards, and commissions. It also researches and drafts Attorney General opinions regarding legal questions and open records and meetings, and reviews administrative rules for legality.
The General Counsel Division is currently hiring for three positions:
- General Counsel to state agencies, including the Public Health Division of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for providing legal advice on a daily basis to various sections of the Public Health Division, including disease control and forensic pathology, health statistics and performance, health response and licensure, laboratory services, and healthy and safe communities; providing legal advice on relevant state and federal laws; and reviewing and negotiating grants and contracts.
- General Counsel to a variety of entities related to governmental finance housed within the Industrial Commission, including the housing finance agency, building authority, and public finance authority, which is responsible for providing legal advice on a daily basis relevant to state and federal laws; working with bond counsel; and negotiating contracts for clients.
- General Counsel to professional licensing boards and commissions and various state agencies, providing legal advice regarding relevant state and federal laws and rules on a daily basis to clients; attending board meetings; drafting disciplinary documents; and drafting and negotiating contracts.
- Provide clear and comprehensive legal advice and representation to clients;
- Assist clients with procurement, contract review, and negotiation;
- Maintain a proactive approach in initiating communication with clients to preemptively address legal concerns;
- Conduct research on pertinent state and federal legal issues;
- Keep abreast of recent state and federal legal and legislative developments relevant to clients and practice areas;
- Attend client, board, departmental, and division meetings, as required;
- Assist clients with drafting legislation and legislative testimony, as requested;
- Review administrative rules for legality;
- Research and draft formal Attorney General opinions; and
- Perform other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Division Director.
In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes fully paid health insurance for employee and family, the option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family, participation in the state NDPERS defined contribution retirement plans (depending on date of hire) as well as the option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan, the option to contribute to a medical spending account, and earning annual and sick leave. The General Counsel Division is a family-friendly workplace that emphasizes a collaborative and flexible working environment.
Employees in this position are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
This is an in-person position located in Bismarck, ND.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Licensed, or the expectation of imminent licensure, to practice law in North Dakota
- Two or more years of related experience preferred but not required;
- High ethical standards and clean discipline record;
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
- Excellent communication, client management, and legal research and writing skills;
- Excellent time management and organization skills;
- Knowledge of state and federal government regulation and compliance;
- Ability to translate complex legal interpretation and findings into clear, concise, and understandable terms;
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and professional discretion in the identification, analysis, management, and resolution of legal problems relevant to governing bodies and agencies;
- Demonstrated ability to maintain effective and collegial working relationships;
- Judgment, reliability, and willingness to devote the time and energy necessary to provide excellent legal services to the State of North Dakota; and
- Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks.
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards (https://www.omb.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/team-nd-careers/beingpartofteamndbenefitsandextras.pdf) package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator (https://www.omb.nd.gov/team-nd-careers/total-rewards-calculator to estimate.
Application Procedures
Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and a background and criminal investigation. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The Office of Attorney General does not provide sponsorships.
Application package must be received by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed on the opening.
To Be Considered for This Position Applications Must Be Submitted Online At: Www.Nd.Gov/careers
Documents to Be Submitted:
- Resume
- Cover Letter with A Summary that Clearly Explains how The Applicant's Work Experience Is Related to The Summary of Work and Minimum/preferred Qualifications
- 3 Professional References
- College Transcripts (copies or Unofficial Versions Are Acceptable for The Initial Application Process but When the Top Candidate Is Given a Conditional Employment Offer, They Are Required to Present Official Transcripts)
All Hiring Decisions Are Subject to Approval by The Attorney General. No Offer of Employment Is Final or Binding until Approved by The Attorney General.
Anyone Needing Assistance or Accommodations During Any Part of The Application or Interview Process Please Contact Ashley, Office of Attorney General: E-Mail: Aeisenbeis@nd.Gov; Phone: (701) 328-1256 or Tty: 1-800-366-6888.
- Learn More About Office of Attorney General At: Https://attorneygeneral.Nd.Gov/
- Learn More About Employment Benefits At: Https://www.Nd.Gov/omb/public/careers/team-Nd-Benefits
- Visit North Dakota State Government: Http://www.Nd.Gov