Attorney I

The Department of Workforce Services has an immediate opening for two attorneys to provide in-house legal support to various divisions of the Department. This legal support includes reviewing contracts and other legal documents, drafting administrative rules and agency policy, and providing legal opinions to senior staff. It may also include providing legal guidance regarding compliance with privacy laws related to government records. It may also include representation in civil judgement enforcement and collection efforts, administrative proceedings with the State Records Committee and in civil matters in state and federal court. Preference will be given to applicants with strong communication skills, experience advising executive leadership or government entities, and experience in federal, state, or administrative forums. Preference may be given to applicants with experience with privacy laws or enforcement of civil judgements. The ability to learn novel computer applications is essential as navigating Department specific applications is required. Having skills using modern technology in the practice of law, including e-discovery, is valued. Applicants must be able to immediately take over an existing workload. This position will be located in Salt Lake City but may telework most days of the week. Infrequent travel may be required as incumbents may need to engage in litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the State.

Example of Duties
An employee in this position may perform the following tasks:

1. provide consultation, make recommendations, and give appropriate advice to assigned department divisions.
2. receive, research, and respond to incoming questions or complaints; provide information, explain policy and procedures or facilitate a resolution.
3. communicate and manage relationships within office and clients while providing legal advice.
4. prepare documents consisting of concise recommendations based upon facts, interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
5. conduct legal research and analysis, gather evidence, and facilitate appropriate case outcomes.
6. write or draft correspondence, reports, documents or other written materials.
7. prepare cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
8. facilitate resolution of civil and administrative actions; represent agency at formal or informal hearings.
9. take administrative and civil legal action against violators of statutes and rules, including enforcement of civil judgments.
10. draft all types of pleadings and motions, including evidentiary motions, dispositive motions, and discovery motions.
11. determine needs in discovery; participate in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.
12. present oral argument on motions and other matters before any type of court, judge, or adjudicator.
13. conduct conferences with litigants, including self-represented litigants, negotiate settlements, and attend court appearances throughout the state.
14. may be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

the ideal candidatethe model applicant for this position is someone who possesses the following:

1. a juris doctorate
2. active membership in the utah bar association
3. general understanding of laws governing privacy and access to government records
4. experience in general litigation, civil, administrative, or appellate law
5. beyond proficient in legal analysis, including the interpretation and application of case law, statutes, rules, and regulations
6. firm understanding of the procedural and evidentiary rules for both administrative proceedings and civil litigation in utah
7. strong interpersonal skills
8. commitment to meet the highest ethical standards and standards of professionalism

why you should join our teambesides working for a fantastic agency that is dedicated to helping the citizens of utah, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. click

here

to view a summary of benefits we offer. we also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balancethe agencythe mission of workforce services is to strengthen utah's communities by supporting the economic stability and quality of our workforce. today, more than 2,200 workforce services employees assist individuals in preparing for and finding jobs, meeting workforce needs of utah businesses, administering temporary assistance, and providing economic data and analysis. through a collaborative approach, the department has served millions of utahns and has become a leader on several statewide initiatives. these include intergenerational poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, supporting refugees, helping rural communities, serving veterans, and individuals with disabilities, and getting utahns trained and back to work. to learn more about workforce services,

click here.

an employee in this position may perform the following tasks:

1. Provide consultation, make recommendations, and give appropriate advice to assigned Department divisions.
2. Receive, research, and respond to incoming questions or complaints; provide information, explain policy and procedures or facilitate a resolution.
3. Communicate and manage relationships within office and clients while providing legal advice.
4. Prepare documents consisting of concise recommendations based upon facts, interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
5. Conduct legal research and analysis, gather evidence, and facilitate appropriate case outcomes.
6. Write or draft correspondence, reports, documents or other written materials.
7. Prepare cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
8. Facilitate resolution of civil and administrative actions; represent agency at formal or informal hearings.
9. Take administrative and civil legal action against violators of statutes and rules, including enforcement of civil judgments.
10. Draft all types of pleadings and motions, including evidentiary motions, dispositive motions, and discovery motions.
11. Determine needs in discovery; participate in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.
12. Present oral argument on motions and other matters before any type of court, judge, or adjudicator.
13. Conduct conferences with litigants, including self-represented litigants, negotiate settlements, and attend court appearances throughout the State.
14. May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

1. A Juris Doctorate and active membership in the Utah Bar are required. However, third-year law students or recent graduates will be considered but must receive their juris doctorate and be admitted to the Bar within the 12-month probationary period.
    
2. Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
3. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
4. DHRM rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current state of Utah employees.