The N.C. Division of Employment Security’s (DES) Legal Services Section is led by a chief counsel who oversees attorneys, and all work performed in the section, while acting as the lead attorney for the division. These attorneys provide advice to and represent DES in both state and federal courts. Their work includes:

• Advising management on Employment Security Law.
• Drafting laws, administrative rules, and policies.
• Reviewing and writing contracts.
• Responding to release of information requests.
• Handling subpoenas.
• Negotiating settlements.
• Handling bankruptcy cases.
• Handling fraud matters.
• Providing legal advice and counseling to all units within DES on various legal matters that arise.
• Representing DES in administrative hearings, civil matters before superior and district courts, and representing DES in appellate courts.

Please note, DES's legal staff can’t give legal advice to the public. If you need legal help, you can contact a legal aid organization such as Legal Aid of North Carolina or find a private attorney through the State Bar of North Carolina.