Counsel

Closing Date: 6th August, 2026

Description:

SUMMARY: This full-time attorney position serves as a counsel in the Legal Section, working collaboratively with Legal Unit staff and other agency personnel, providing advice and assistance in a broad range of areas, including, but not limited to: serving as appellate attorney for the Department of Employment Security in various levels of adjudicative administrative proceedings; litigates collections and tax matters; work on legislative and rulemaking issues; handles procurements matters; advises on personnel and collective bargaining issues; handles Right-to-Know and other records requests.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as an appellate attorney for New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) reviewing reopening requests submitted a 2nd level appeals of Appeal Tribunal decisions on behalf of the Commissioner; defends further appeals of such decisions before the NHES Appellate Board, seeking to ensure compliance with state and federal statutory eligibility and regulatory requirements for unemployment insurances benefits, including due process.
• Provides oversight and counsels the Department on Collections matters: reviews wage garnishment orders, real estate liens and distraints on a case-by-case basis prior to filing to ensure compliance with RSA Chapter 282-A and federal requirements; reviews requests for relief from various collections offsets; files and handles litigation to enforce collection of monies owed to the Department with respect to UC benefit overpayments to claimants and tax delinquencies of employers
• Researches and drafts briefs and other pleadings for cases pending before the Employment Security Appellate Board, State Circuit Courts, the US Bankruptcy Court, and other administrative agencies, including the NH Human Rights Commission; participates in Appeal Tribunal hearings as Counsel to the Department in complex matters as needed.
• Advises the Commissioner and Human Resources on compliance with the State Personnel Rules and Collective Bargaining Agreements; participates in agency investigations and advises on disciplinary matters. Represents the Department at administrative hearings at the Personnel Appeals Board.
• Coordinates Department responses to a range of records requests received under RSA 282-A:118, the NH Right-to-Know law and Federal Freedom of Information Act. Compiles responses to requests submitted in connection with State and federal criminal matters.
• Responds to
• legal, legislative, and public inquiries regarding agency processes and provides in-house legal analysis on a broad range of unemployment compensation issues. Coordinates review of incoming federal guidance on program administration to ensure compliance.
• Consults on internal procurement issues; including drafting requests for bid and requests for proposal, drafting contracts as needed for the Department's operations; tracking contracts and related documents and providing advice on compliance with applicable State and federal procurement policies and rules.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Experience: Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and three (3) years' experience in legal or legislative research, appellate practice or client counseling. Public sector experience is a plus.

License/Certification: Valid driver's license and access to transportation for statewide travel.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of a background check, including criminal records and motor vehicle checks.
• Member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in Good Standing

Preferred Qualifications: Thorough knowledge of court rules and procedure. Knowledge of state and federal laws relating to unemployment benefit programs and collection of overpayment debts and unemployment insurance taxes. Ability to perform legal research. Ability to draft legal pleadings, briefs and memoranda. Ability to analyze legal issues and render effective advice and decisions. Demonstrated ability to deal tactfully with the courts, law enforcement officials, state department heads, the public and colleagues. Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the agency appointing authority.

For further information please contact Karen Levchuk, General Counsel,Karen.A.Levchuk@nhes.nh.govand 603-228-4070.

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