The Division of Employment Security’s Legal Services Section is headed by a chief counsel. Approximately eight attorneys advise and represent the agency’s senior and executive managers.

Attorneys work on a variety of matters, including advising management on unemployment law issues; employment laws about discrimination and harassment; drafting legislation, administrative rules and policies; drafting and reviewing contracts; responding to requests for release of information; issuing and responding to subpoenas; negotiating settlements and offers for compromise; fraud matters; bankruptcy matters; and conducting training for managers, tax auditors, fraud investigators and appeals referees.

Attorneys represent the agency in North Carolina’s state and federal courts, and in administrative proceedings before the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Attorneys also represent DES in administrative hearings involving unemployment insurance tax appeals before the North Carolina Department of Commerce Board of Review.

DES's legal staff can answer questions about procedures, but it cannot give you legal advice. If you need legal advice or representation, you should contact a legal aid organization, such as Legal Aid of North Carolina or a private attorney. The State Bar of North Carolina can help you find an attorney.