ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL, NEW JERSEY ELECTION LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION

Definition

Under the direction of the Legal Counsel, Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJELEC), assists in the legal representation of the NJELEC; represents the Commission in civil matters arising under the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act and enforcement of the Act and Commission regulations; conducts legal research concerning Constitutional, statutory and regulatory interpretation; prepares reports, summaries and recommendations on the impact and scope of legislation or regulations; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Conducts or assists in legal research concerning Constitutional issues, statutory and regulatory interpretations, and conducts research as to related, judicial, legislative, and administrative activities in other states. Assists in the drafting, preparation, promulgation and codification of agency regulations. Assists Legal Counsel with preparing official advisory opinions of the Commission pursuant to statutory requirements. Prepares and maintains index and annotation of advisory opinions issued by the Election Law Enforcement Commission. Oversees fine collection and procedures. Under direction of Legal Counsel, represents the Commission as required to defend and enforce the Commission's Final Decisions. Under supervision of Legal Counsel or Executive Director, conducts, or assists in the conduct of legal research and/or investigations, prosecute violations of the Campaign Act, and to develop data/information to be utilized in the accomplishment of special projects. Under direction of Legal Counsel, serves as law enforcement agency coordinator with respect to subpoenas served on the Commission by other law enforcement agencies and referrals to other law enforcement agencies by the Commission of possible criminal violations. Under supervision of Legal Counsel, is responsible for presentation of pleadings, trial briefs, and other legal memoranda necessary to engage in complex civil litigation; responsible for presentation of testimony and proofs to facilitate the presentation of testimony and hearing cases and oral argument before the Office of Administrative Law, Law Division and Appellate Division; and assists in other prosecution activities as required. Assists in evaluating and analyzing investigative recommendations to ensure legal compliance. Enforces compliance by issuing civil complaints against alleged violators and recommends imposition of monetary penalties on behalf of the Commission; investigates cases and signs complaints. Assists in the review of formal decisions, orders, and reports; facilitates settlement negotiations and resolution of contested cases; drafts penalty memoranda; drafts consent orders and other instruments prior to adoption or issuance. Assists in evaluating Initial Decisions issued by Administrative Law Judges; prepares requests for interlocutory review and exceptions as necessary. Prepares correspondence and reports to apprise supervisor, other officials, and Commission members of conditions, progress, and accomplishments in areas of concern; and to avail Commission with information on which the formulation of programs may be based. Assists in coordination of work activities of staff assigned or detailed to area of responsibility to accomplish goals which are compatible with applicable policy, procedures and standards. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Requirements

Education

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.

License

Admission to practice as an Attorney-at-Law in the State of New Jersey.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of State and Federal administrative law and practices, and familiarity with federal and other level court procedures and practices as they relate to State departments and other State entities. Knowledge of the formulation and preparation of informative and properly composed legal reports and correspondence. Knowledge of the structure and content of formal and informal documents. Knowledge of the procedures utilized in the preparation and prosecution of civil and criminal cases. Knowledge of how to conduct legal research and/or investigations in completing assigned projects. Knowledge of how to research and draft logical, well-constructed and technically sound reports and correspondence. Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information. Ability to acquire working knowledge of the organization of the State government of New Jersey and of New Jersey law. Ability to deal effectively with members of various government jurisdictions and agencies. Ability to assist in the prosecution of civil and criminal matters. Ability to analyze regulatory laws, rules, and policies and apply them to specific cases. Ability to prepare materials for hearings, reviews and executive determinations. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

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. Applicants for admission to the NJ Bar awaiting results of the NJ Bar examination are encouraged to apply. Appointees 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 essential duties of the position.