CHIEF COUNSEL-SCI

Code: 10226 State Unclassified Range: X98 (FY 2027)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the general guidance of the four Commissioners of the State Commission of Investigation and the specific direction of the Executive Director serves as the chief legal counsel to the Commission. At the request of the Commissioners or the Executive Director, the Chief Counsel assists in identifying legal issues appropriate for the conduct of investigations, assists the Executive Director in ensuring compliance with the Commission's implementing legislation and the Commission's Administrative Manual. The Chief Counsel at the request of the Executive Director advise and monitor staff counsel on all legal matters arising from the procurement of intelligence, the examination of witnesses at Commission hearings both public and private, and the issuance of reports and other publicly disseminated material.

Examples of work

At the direction of the Commissioners, attend and offer legal advice at Commissioners' meetings. Conduct internal investigations within the office as required by the Commissioners or the Executive Director. Propose legislative and administrative changes to the Executive Director that would continue to improve the quality of performance of the Commission. At the direction of the Commissioners or the Executive Director, conduct specific highly sensitive preliminary inquiries and investigations when the particular expertise and experience of the Chief Counsel is required. Advance preliminary inquiries as directed by the Executive Director to the point where they may be assigned to staff counsel as formal investigations and to suggest the pros and cons of alternative courses of action to the Commissioners in conjunction with the results of the inquiries. Track legislative and other referrals of Commission recommendations so that the Commissioners may be kept informed of the progress of legislative follow up action and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to respond to referrals set forth in specific reports and other material published by the Commission. At the direction of the Executive Director, conduct training of staff on legal issues including the use of deadly force and other Title 2C provisions that are applicable to Commission investigations and publications. Maintain access for staff to all pertinent current books and training material of a legal nature in the sign library maintained at the Commission's office. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduate of an accredited law school.

Experience

Five (5) years continuous experience as a staff counsel of the State Commission of Investigation immediately preceding elevation to the Chief Counsel position.

License

A current and valid license to practice law in the State of New Jersey. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the laws governing criminal and civil conduct in the State of New Jersey. Knowledge of the Revised Rules of Court Practice and Procedure governing judicial and investigative procedures in our court system. Ability to research and retrieve case law statutes or administrative regulations on a wide variety of subject matter including but not limited to restrictions on investigative techniques, evidence rules, issuance of subpoenas, ethics requirements, conducting depositions and examinations of witnesses under oath. Ability to train others in these areas and to readily accept advice and direction of a constructive nature from the Commissioners and the Executive Director. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 98/X98 - MCK 06/09/03

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.