Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Appeals - Post Conviction

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

2d•$61 - $90•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division is hiring an Assistant Solicitor General to work in its postconviction section. This is a unique practice that spans both criminal and civil trial courts, as well as state and federal appeals. Ideal candidates will possess intellectual rigor and be capable of working independently on matters requiring long-term strategy. This position handles a mix of cases at all levels of state and federal courts with significant responsibility and autonomy. This includes trial level matters in state postconviction and federal habeas corpus proceedings, as well as appeals in those matters up through both the Utah and United States Supreme Courts; consulting with prosecutors statewide on death penalty and other felony prosecutions; and assisting prosecutors in evidentiary hearings challenging the effective assistance of trial counsel. This position includes defending valid death sentences, and incumbents must be willing to work on these high profile, high stakes matters. Excellent written and oral advocacy skills are necessary. This position requires a broad skill set that includes criminal litigation, civil litigation, appeals, and postconviction litigation. The Division recognizes that few candidates will have deep experience in all of these areas, but significant experience in one or more is preferred, along with a desire to do the highest quality work. The Division encourages litigators with an interest in public service and a desire to develop expertise across these disciplines to apply. Incumbents must either practice law as an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing or be sworn into the Utah State Bar within the probationary period. Third year law students may apply, but offers will be contingent of the successful candidate passing the Utah State Bar within one year from the hire date. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent the State in criminal litigation, civil litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the State.

Requirements

A Juris Doctorate is required.
Where statute mandates, active membership in the Utah State Bar.
communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally
legal processes and procedures
applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures
civil and criminal justice laws
understand and apply case and statutory law
evaluate information against a set of standards
use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions
laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history
perform legal research using case law and appropriate techniques
laws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act)
make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
provide consultation and/or expert advice or testimony
rules of evidence and civil and/or criminal procedure
interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law

Nice To Haves

significant experience in one or more of the following areas: criminal litigation, civil litigation, appeals, and postconviction litigation
interest in public service
desire to develop expertise across these disciplines

Responsibilities

Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
Writes or drafts appellate briefs, dispositive motions, correspondence, documents and/or other written materials.
Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints and/or other matters.
Drafts working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
Represents the State in state and federal appellate courts.
May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.