Assistant Attorney General - Highways and Utilities

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

5d•$61 - $90•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Attorney General's Office, Highways & Utilities Division, is seeking an attorney to represent and advise the Department of Transportation (UDOT) in legal matters handled by the Division. This position is co-located with UDOT leadership at agency headquarters in Taylorsville, Utah. Applicants should have an interest in helping a great client with the transactions needed for large-scale land development and public service. The following may receive a preference: past work with the Government Records Access and Management Act; administrative law; claims and risk management; drafting contracts; real property or construction law, government law, federal grant obligations and transactions; or work with other transportation-related issues. Work in additional practice areas is possible, and understanding litigation principles is helpful. Applicants must have the ability to analyze complex legal problems, apply legal principles, and present clear, concise, and persuasive legal documents and arguments. This is an ideal job for someone who loves a challenge, helping solve problems, and making a contribution. You must be an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing. The Highways & Utilities Division is a great place to work! Lifestyle and work-life balance are a priority, and well-qualified employees can be approved for hybrid teleworking arrangements. Employees earn comp time (time off earned instead of cash payment) when client needs exceed regular work hours. The Attorney General’s Office offers a collegial, ethical environment with skilled coworkers and tremendous client support. As counsel in this position, you will help UDOT staff directly, work with diverse issues, and your work is appreciated. The Office also offers opportunities to learn, to teach, and to collaborate, and occasional travel is possible. The Utah Attorney General’s Office offers a competitive salary and full benefit package. The current base salary plan is broken down below in the Supplemental Information section. For benefit information please visit: https://dhrm.utah.gov/why-utah/benefits/. As part of this application process, you must upload your resume, cover letter and a writing sample into your application profile. Writing samples should demonstrate proficiency in contract work. This posting will be open until filled and may close without notice.

Requirements

A Juris Doctorate is required.
understand agency and/or organizational program(s) and areas of law
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
understand applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures
understand and apply case and statutory law and state and federal regulations
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
work with laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history
perform legal research using case law and appropriate techniques
ability to apply 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
interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
knowledge of principles, theories and practices of judicial or administrative law
knowledge of attorney obligations when acting in-house for a government client
ability to use Word and Outlook
active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing

Nice To Haves

past work with the Government Records Access and Management Act
administrative law
claims and risk management
drafting contracts
real property or construction law
government law
federal grant obligations and transactions
work with other transportation-related issues
understanding litigation principles

Responsibilities

Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions and problem solving.
Drafts or reviews contracts that may involve issues such as real property, construction, utilities, grants, and operational issues and that involve commercial parties and other government entities.
Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents, administrative rules, and/or other written materials.
Assists the client with government records issues and advises on regulatory matters.
Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
Prepares administrative cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence in areas that typically involve records or transportation laws.
May assist with determining needs in discovery, and/or complete discovery and address other needs to respond to discovery requests.
May assist with representing the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, and complaints.
Interacts with regulatory agencies to resolve inquiries.
Represents clients at formal or informal administrative hearings, or administers administrative hearing processes.
Occasionally may be required to travel to various locations and stay overnight.