Legal Counsel

The State Auditor's Office is seeking a legal counsel whose primary purpose is to provide assistance to the General Counsel on matters related to the legal representation and legal affairs of the State Auditor's Office.

The State Auditor's Office is Missouri's independent watchdog agency, charged with protecting taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse. The office works to ensure the proper use of public funds and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Missouri government by performing audits of state agencies, boards and commissions, the circuit court system, the counties in Missouri that do not have a county auditor, and other political subdivisions upon petition by the voters. These audits examine financial accountability, waste, opportunities for fraud, and whether government organizations and programs are achieving their purposes and operating economically and efficiently. Additionally, the office reviews and registers general obligation bond issues of the state’s political subdivisions, prepares fiscal notes for ballot initiatives, performs an Annual Forfeiture Report, and reviews property tax rates proposed by political subdivisions. The Statue Auditor's Office legal team provides all legal support necessary to assist the State Auditor in these duties, including representing the Auditor in all litigation involving the office, advising on legal questions posed by audit reports and fiscal notes for ballot initiatives, and all other legal duties as assigned. The legal team routinely will be tasked with researching novel legal questions and preparing legal briefs and other court filings. This is a dynamic legal position that provides an excellent opportunity to an attorney who thrives with a diverse caseload, wants to engage on high-profile legal issues, and obtains satisfaction from doing government work.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this position.

Ø Provide legal research and support for issues presented in the audit of state agencies, the legislature, courts, state supported institutions, counties, and local government.

Ø Appear on behalf of the State Auditor's Office in circuit and appellate court.

Ø Assist in developing, researching, and drafting responses to written requests, including Sunshine Law requests.

Ø Review or respond to communications from public officials and the general public regarding matters as authorized by the State Auditor.

Ø Review or prepare administrative rules. Review legal compliance of financial or accounting forms prepared by the office for use by state or local entities.

Ø Research for and preparation of legal memoranda and briefs on legislative, budgetary, and policy matters.

Ø Assist with reviewing bond transcripts documenting legal and contractual compliance of bonds presented to the State Auditor for registration.

Ø Complete special projects as requested by the General Counsel.

Ø Travel may be required; perform other work as assigned.

Ø Licensed attorney with a J.D. from an accredited college or university and a member of the Missouri Bar.

Ø Experience with litigation, state and local government, tax law, and/or constitutional law preferred.

Ø Detailed knowledge of the Missouri Constitution and statutes; ability to apply rules of construction; ability to research and apply relevant cases to develop and support office positions and policies.

Ø Knowledge of governmental procedures, practices, and objectives.

Ø Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and a demonstrated ability to quickly comprehend and utilize new concepts and strategies.

Ø Ability to understand complex legal issues in the context of controversial circumstances and to develop appropriate legal positions and effective strategies to respond to those issues in a professional manner.

Ø Ability to work under pressure and meet frequent deadlines.

Ø Ability to accept increasing responsibilities and to reach for additional responsibilities when appropriate.

Ø Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities on a concurrent basis.

If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact: recruiter@auditor.mo.gov

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• State of Missouri

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