| Location | Charleston, WV |
| Salary | $110,000–$125,000 Per Year |
DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Kanawha County, WV
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
GOV27009
Department
Governors Office
Opening Date
10/27/2026
Closing Date
11/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
LOCATION OF VACANCY
KANAWHA
Civil Service Type:
Non-Covered - This Position is Not Covered OR Classified Under the DOP Merit System
Nature of Work
Position Overview
The Office of the Governor is seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and collaborative attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. This critical role reports directly to the General Counsel and provides executive-level legal counsel, strategic advice, and policy support to the Governor, executive staff, and state agency leadership. The ideal candidate possesses sharp analytical skills, a strong grasp of administrative and constitutional law, and a deep commitment to public service.
Examples of Work
Key Responsibilities
Provide clear, timely, and actionable legal advice to the Governor and executive staff on state and federal constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and executive orders.
Provide strategic counsel to cabinet secretaries and state departments to align agency actions with the administrations policy priorities and legal mandates.
Review, analyze, and draft proposed legislation. Advise the Governor on the legal implications, constitutionality, and policy impacts of bills passed by the Legislature.
Draft, review, and finalize Executive Orders, proclamations, and other official legal instruments issued by the Governor.
Ensure compliance with state and federal laws; such as open meeting requirements, procurement regulations, freedom of information requests.
Responsible for the processing and responses to Freedom of Information Act requests.
Draft, review, and negotiate high-level state contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and interstate compacts.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited school of law.
Licensure: Active member in good standing with the West Virginia State Bar (or eligible for immediate admission).
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of complex legal practice, with a strong preference for experience in administrative law, government operations, constitutional law, or legislative affairs.
Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to perform rigorous legal research under tight deadlines; and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
Other Information
Salary: $110,000 to $125,000 (depending on qualifications)
Job not in the classified service. See the hiring agency for a description of benefits.
01
AFFIRMATION: I certify under penalty of law and disqualification that all statements are true and complete. I authorize the State of West Virginia and any agent acting on its behalf to conduct an inquiry into any job-related information contained in this application. I release the State of West Virginia and any agent acting on its behalf from any and all liability by reason of the request for such information. I further authorize and request each former employer, educational institution, or organization (including law enforcement agencies) to provide all information that may be sought in connection with this application. WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION: Unofficial transcripts High school diplomas or transcripts Birth certificates Social Security Cards Driver's Licenses Passports These documents will be removed from your profile if submitted.
Required Question
Employer West Virginia
Address 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Building 3 Suite 500
Charleston, West Virginia, 25305
Phone (304) 558-3950
Website http://personnel.wv.gov