LEGAL COUNSEL - #1336057

$82,512 to $101,304 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

The Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice, guidance and assistance on a wide variety of issues and concerns to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the General Counsel, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal Services

a. Renders legal interpretations and drafts internal advisory memoranda and
legal opinions as assigned.

b. Conducts legal research on issues arising under trust and fiduciary law,
standards of conduct and ethics laws, administrative law, legal compliance,
legislation, collections, personnel and employment law, intellectual
property, business and law of non-profit organizations, contract law, state
and federal procurement codes, and other relevant areas as assigned.
Recommends appropriate courses of actions to the General Counsel and/or
CEO as warranted.

c. Reviews proposed policies, procedures, rules and regulations, court
decisions and legal documents affecting OHA to ascertain legal impact and
legal ramifications as assigned. Recommends appropriate courses of
action to the General Counsel and/or CEO as warranted.

d. Reviews procurement actions for purchases of goods, services, and capital
improvements for legal acceptability consistent with Chapters 103D and
103F, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, companion Hawai‘i Administrative Rules,
and OHA procurement policies established by the Chief Procurement
Officer to safeguard the agency’s interest.

e. Drafts pleadings and other legal documents and instruments for arbitration,
administrative hearings, and court proceedings as necessary and makes
appearances on behalf of OHA as assigned.

f. Reviews proposed OHA legislation prepared by staff to determine the
potential legal impact and implications on the agency and drafts testimony
as assigned.

g. Participates in the review and approval of OHA’s contracts, leases and other
transactional documents and instruments which impose obligations,
responsibilities, encumbrances, liens, or releases upon OHA.

2. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs confidential legal tasks, duties, activities, and special projects, as assigned by the General Counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience
1. Education. Graduation from an accredited American law school.

2. Licensure. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i and a member in good standing with the Hawai‘i State Bar Association.

3. Work Experience. Six (6) years in the practice of law, which must have included at least three years of practice in the State of Hawai‘i and three years involving the following experience:

a. At least one year of experience in applying Hawaii procurement laws as set forth in Chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes and Title 3, Subtitle 11, Hawaii Administrative Rules.

b. At least three years of experience of drafting and reviewing public (government) contracts, leases, agreements, other legal documents and instruments and amendments to these documents.

c. Work experience shall also have included trust law, State of Hawaii government budget and legislative processes; civil litigation experience before the courts of State of Hawaii and in the United States; administrative litigation before local boards and hearing officials; and conduct of legal research and opinion writing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Must have working knowledge of:

• State and federal laws, statutes, regulations, policies, practices and

• History of legal issues and legal decisions applicable to OHA
• Current and historical legal challenges to laws applicable to OHA
• Federal and state court legal proceedings, practices, and requirements
• Legislative proceedings, requirements, and protocols
• Relevant court, legislative, and federal/state agency interpersonal dynamics
• Negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution
• Principles of risk management
• Nuanced understanding of corporate and administrative law

2. Must have demonstrated skills or ability to:

• Read and interpret complex written material
• Conduct complex legal research
• Write/edit pleadings, legal briefs, arguments, opinions, and position papers
• Negotiate favorable agreements
• Effectively participate in organizational planning, budget development, and operations
• Manage data and records
• Develop and maintain a professional relationship and rapport with others
• Maintain an excellent work ethic
• Make formal oral presentations and communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences including OHA staff, Board of Trustees, and OHA beneficiaries
• Effectively use computer software (including Microsoft Office products) to draft legal documents, manage workloads and communicate with others

How To Apply

resume and cover letter to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
Attention: Human Resources

Or via email: [email protected]

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) employees must be permanent Hawaii residents. Out-of-state applicants who are offered employment with OHA will need to relocate to Hawaii and establish permanent residency.

An Equal Opportunity Employer