Associate Legal Counsel

Title: Associate Legal Counsel

Position: 00232

Location: 7450 Freight Way, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Salary: $110,400-$143,500

Exemption Status: Exempt

Our Mission

To strengthen the Commonwealth through public safety, education and revenue derived from the responsible regulation and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Our Vision

To bring good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

Our Values

Accountability—Service—Integrity—Performance Excellence

Join a team of Virginia’s Top Shelf Talent!

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel. The Associate Legal Counsel will primarily provide counsel to the Bureau of Law Enforcement (“BLE”) and assists in the preparation and prosecution of cases before agency administrative law judges. Drafts briefs, memorandum of law, and other correspondence. Provides training to BLE in matters relating to enforcement, legislation, and hearings. Provides technical support and guidance in the development of policy, legislative, and regulatory proposals for the Authority. Reviews and interprets regulations and statutes applicable to Virginia ABC operations and programs to ensure Authority policies are uniform and internal guidelines are consistent and in compliance with the law. Negotiates settlement of disciplinary cases. Provides various legal counsel and/or guidance to the other divisions within the Authority.

Areas of Responsibility

• Supporting the Bureau of Law Enforcement by providing guidance on the laws and board regulations, legal training, and on-demand counsel during public safety matters.
• Prosecuting violations before Virginia ABC administrative law judges and through subsequent appeals.
• Negotiating matters where appropriate.
• Engaging with various stakeholders over issues that are impactful to the alcohol industry as well as participating in conferences including participating on panels.
• Conducting research to properly advise the various business units over different issues that arise during the course of their job responsibilities.
• Conducting legal research to draft memorandum of law or briefs supporting the various business units within the Authority (i.e. Marketing, Communications, Retail, Logistics) by providing legal guidance on issues that impact them and their responsibilities.
• Attending and participating in the Regulatory Review Committee and Product Approval Group.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree from accredited four-year institution
• Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of trial practice experience
• Experience working with a law enforcement agency
• Knowledge of the Virginia ABC Act and alcohol regulation
• Experience working as an in-house counsel

We offer:

• Excellent work/life balance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) earned every two weeks worked and 14 paid holidays
• Affordable healthcare with employer contributions
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits
• College Tuition Reimbursement program

Virginia ABC employees are covered under the Commonwealth’s benefits package and VRS. However, authority employees are exempt from the Virginia Personnel Act and the Virginia Public Procurement Act.

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority does not provide sponsorship. We are an equal opportunity employer without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status or disability. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. ABC will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check.

VA ABC is a Military-Friendly Employer, is V3 Certified, and embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For full consideration, all applicants must fully complete all sections of the online application. A resume will not substitute for an incomplete application.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Know Your Rights Poster ; and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
We are an equal opportunity employer without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, or disability. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

ABC will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process.

All employment offers are contingent upon compliance with Form I-9 completion timeliness and confirmation of employment authorization by E-Verify and criminal history record checks are required prior to employment.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: DARS or call DARS at 800- 552-5019