Description:

Job Summary:
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) is seeking a Law Clerk to join the Office of Legal Counsel. This position provides legal support to the Authority and an opportunity for a recent law school graduate to gain practical experience across a variety of legal practice areas under the supervision of Virginia ABC attorneys.

The Law Clerk will conduct legal research, assist with litigation and discovery, draft and review legal documents, monitor legal and legislative developments, and provide support on matters involving administrative law, employment law, constitutional law, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), and other areas impacting the Authority.

Areas of Responsibility:

Conducts legal research and analysis to support case preparation and Authority decision-making.
Drafts initial versions of briefs, legal memoranda, motions, pleadings, correspondence, and other legal documents.
Assists attorneys in preparing legal arguments and materials for hearings and other proceedings.
Reviews and summarizes legal documents, evidence, court decisions, and other relevant materials.
Coordinates and assists with discovery, including preparing and responding to discovery requests.
Assists with case management and the organization and maintenance of case files.
Attends court proceedings and prepares detailed notes and summaries.
Monitors administrative law, constitutional law, employment law, FOIA, and other legal developments impacting the Authority and prepares a weekly digest of relevant decisions.
Assists with General Assembly session bill review by identifying, compiling, and tracking legislation that may impact the Authority.
Assists with the receipt and review of service of process and the tracking and response to FOIA requests.
Communicates with Authority employees, attorneys, court personnel, government officials, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Participates in the Regulatory Review Committee, Product Approval Review Group, and Strategic Plan workgroups as assigned.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited law school no more than twelve (12) months prior to hire.
Ability to pass the Virginia State Bar examination within twelve (12) months of hire.
Knowledge of the legal system, the Code of Virginia, and legal and policy research.
Ability to independently and efficiently conduct legal research and analysis.
Ability to draft legal memoranda, pleadings, settlement documents, legal correspondence, and other legal materials.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate legal issues to diverse audiences.
Ability to analyze complex issues, identify potential impacts, and develop appropriate solutions.
Ability to identify legal and policy issues at the local, state, and national levels that may impact Authority operations.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, organize work, and coordinate activities across diverse groups and stakeholders.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Authority employees, stakeholders, customers, licensees, members of the public, organizations, and government officials.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based legal research tools such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completion of an internship or externship with a governmental agency or law firm.
Experience working with a law enforcement agency or in an in-house legal environment.
Knowledge of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, alcohol regulation, and applicable federal alcohol laws.
Knowledge of administrative law, including rulemaking and adjudication, agency enforcement authority, administrative hearings, and judicial review standards.
Knowledge of FOIA and VFOIA, including applicable exemptions.
Familiarity with constitutional law issues related to government policymaking, alcohol regulation, law enforcement, and 1983 litigation.
Ability, to the extent permitted by law, to prosecute or participate in hearings and other legal proceedings.