Agency Legal Director

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Agency Legal Director. This role will head the Legal Office, which includes a team of 25 attorneys and support staff. The Agency Legal Director will serve as the Legal advisor to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners on statutory authority, regulatory interpretation, risk management, and policy development. This is an appointed position critical to the Department’s ability to comply with federal and state statutes and regulations, thereby protecting and promoting public health. Please note that applicants must be current State of CT employees to be considered for this position.

Requirements

Admitted to practice law in the State of CT
Current State of CT employee with at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service
Must specify qualifications on the application
Must list earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on the application
If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies must be provided to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting
Resume policy: Resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Must specify qualifications on your application
Must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date
Must specify your qualifications on your application
The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified
List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application
To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited
If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date
You must specify your qualifications on your application
The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application
To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited
If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting
Incumbents in this class must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut OR meet the qualifications and requirements for admission in accordance with Section 2-13 of the Connecticut Practice Book and obtain membership in the Connecticut Bar within six (6) months of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience improving the efficiency of legal operations and managing legal staff
Experience writing and reviewing legal documents (e.g., legal briefs, memorandums of understanding, agreements, contracts)
Experience interpreting and applying state and federal laws and regulations
Experience with legal principles, practices and procedures in Connecticut
Experience with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (UAPA)
Experience with the state legislative process, including drafting legislation

Responsibilities

Lead other staff attorneys in supporting agency projects and initiatives
Perform advanced and complex legal work for the agency
Provide input to agency leadership for policy formation
Research, interpret, analyze and apply complex and conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles
Oversee the agency's contracting and procurement processes
Negotiate and draft contracts, data use agreements, memoranda of understand/agreement, and other legal instruments as may be needed
Review regulatory decisions and agreements and other related documents for legal sufficiency
Consult with the Office of the Attorney General on legal issues
Review and edit advisory opinions, rulings, recommendations, legislation, statutes, regulations, publications and other related legal documents
Oversee and provide guidance concerning Freedom of Information Act compliance
Provide support and guidance to agency staff for data management and privacy issues