What are the responsibilities and job description for the DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL position at West Virginia?
Position Overview
The Office of the Governor is seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and collaborative attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. This critical role reports directly to the General Counsel and provides executive-level legal counsel, strategic advice, and policy support to the Governor, executive staff, and state agency leadership. The ideal candidate possesses sharp analytical skills, a strong grasp of administrative and constitutional law, and a deep commitment to public service.
Key Responsibilities
Provide clear, timely, and actionable legal advice to the Governor and executive staff on state and federal constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and executive orders.
Provide strategic counsel to cabinet secretaries and state departments to align agency actions with the administration's policy priorities and legal mandates.
Review, analyze, and draft proposed legislation. Advise the Governor on the legal implications, constitutionality, and policy impacts of bills passed by the Legislature.
Draft, review, and finalize Executive Orders, proclamations, and other official legal instruments issued by the Governor.
Ensure compliance with state and federal laws; such as open meeting requirements, procurement regulations, freedom of information requests.
Responsible for the processing and responses to Freedom of Information Act requests.
Draft, review, and negotiate high-level state contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and interstate compacts.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited school of law.
Licensure: Active member in good standing with the West Virginia State Bar (or eligible for immediate admission).
Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of complex legal practice, with a strong preference for experience in administrative law, government operations, constitutional law, or legislative affairs.
Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to perform rigorous legal research under tight deadlines; and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
Salary: $110,000 to $125,000 (depending on qualifications)
Salary : $110,000 - $125,000