Legal Specialist 2 Full Time

Conducts legal and policy research in accordance with guidelines established by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and serves as the primary liaison between the state department and the OAG in receiving, formulating, and transmitting requests for legal advice. Prepares reports and recommendations on the impact of proposed, new, and existing legislation.

Provides legal support for Ann Klein Forensic Center (Ann Klein) and actively participates in the civil commitment process. Serves as the legal liaison for hospital staff and key stakeholders in the criminal justice system, offering guidance to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. Partners with hospital professional staff and management to ensure compliance with court orders, applicable federal and state legislation and regulations, and legal standards governing criminal competency and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) cases.

Collaborates with the Assistant Commissioner, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ann Klein, and hospital leadership on rulemaking, hospital bulletins and procedures, and policy development related to commitment, discharge, involuntary medication, and other matters as required.

Special Note: Admission to the New Jersey Bar is desirable. A comprehensive background in trial advocacy and criminal law, with experience as a litigator within the criminal justice framework, is preferred. Proven ability to present legal information to various stakeholders, with the capacity to maintain and build upon those relationships with minimal onboarding, is a plus.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited law school with Juris Doctor (J.D.) or a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) degree.

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience involving legal or legislative research, drafting of rules, regulations, legislation, amendments, and/or the interpretation of statutes.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of experience involving legal or legislative research, drafting of rules, regulations, legislation, amendments, and/or the interpretation of statutes.

NOTE: Appointees currently matriculating in an accredited law school as an L.L.B or J.D. candidate may substitute such enrollment for three (3) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

NOTE : if you have already applied to the previous posting (JOB0002683), you do not need to re-apply.