Assistant Attorney General - Child Protection

State of Utah Office of the Governor • St. George, UT

3d • $127,000 - $185,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Office of the Attorney General’s Child Protection Division is hiring an attorney to represent the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) in abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings in the Fifth District Juvenile Court. The position is based in Saint George, Utah, and involves managing a high volume of active cases in a fast-paced environment with significant consequences for children and families.

The attorney approves warrants to search for and remove children from parents’ custody; screens cases with Child Protective Services and law enforcement; conducts legal research; prepares legal documents; and consults with DCFS representatives. The attorney represents DCFS at multidisciplinary-team meetings, family-team meetings, mediations, and other meetings as needed. Court work includes prosecuting abuse, neglect, and dependency matters at hearings and prosecuting petitions to terminate parental rights. Travel to various court locations, including overnight stays, may be required.

The role requires a Juris Doctorate and active membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar. A conditional offer is contingent on satisfactory completion of a background investigation. The position is full-time, in-office/on-site, and eligible for a full benefits package. The listed hourly wage is $61.08–$89.24. Annual salary ranges are also provided by Bar-admission year, from approximately $127,000 for 2024–2026 admissions to $168,000–$185,000 for 1997 or earlier admissions. The application deadline is November 8, 2026, though the posting may close without notice.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar in good standing.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience and ability to immediately take over an existing caseload.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Successful completion of a criminal history/background investigation as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Prosecution or other trial experience.

Responsibilities

• Represent DCFS in abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings in the Fifth District Juvenile Court.
• Manage a high volume of active cases.
• Approve warrants to search for and remove children from parents’ custody.
• Screen cases with Child Protective Services and law enforcement.
• Conduct legal research and gather evidence to prepare cases.
• Prepare summonses, petitions, subpoenas, discovery responses, motions, memoranda, orders, correspondence, reports, and other legal documents.
• Consult with DCFS representatives and provide recommendations, advice, and information.
• Determine discovery needs, complete discovery, and participate in case strategy and decisions about evidence.
• Represent DCFS at multidisciplinary-team meetings, family-team meetings, mediations, and other meetings as necessary.
• Prosecute abuse, neglect, and dependency matters at shelter, pre-trial, adjudication, disposition, review, permanency, and other hearings.
• Prosecute petitions to terminate parental rights and appear at associated hearings.
• Respond to incoming questions or complaints and explain relevant policies and procedures.
• Represent the state or employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints, hearings, and trials.
• Conduct conferences with defendants and attorneys, negotiate settlements, and prepare witnesses to testify in court.
• Travel to various court locations as required; overnight stays may be necessary.

Benefits

• Full benefits package eligibility.
• Job stability.
• Career growth and opportunities for leadership.
• Meaningful work serving the community.
• Supportive work environment.
• Work/life balance is described as an important part of the organization’s culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree