Attorney I-DWS

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

18h•$39 - $59•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Department of Workforce Services Office of General Counsel seeks an experienced attorney to join a small in-house counsel team. The position is based in Salt Lake City and is in-office/on-site; hybrid telework opportunities may be available if client needs are met. The Office of General Counsel advises and represents agency executive leadership, divisions, and several public bodies supported by the agency. Its work includes providing legal opinions and counsel on compliance with federal and state law; reviewing contracts, grants, and other legal documents; drafting administrative rules and agency policy; representing the agency in administrative proceedings and public meetings; and handling civil matters, including debt collection. The attorney will provide legal advice, conduct research and analysis, prepare written materials, review agreements, and represent the agency in administrative and civil proceedings. The role may require infrequent travel around Utah for legal proceedings, meetings, training, or court appearances, potentially including overnight stays. Applicants must submit a 5- to 10-page legal writing sample as part of the application and pass a criminal history check.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Active membership in good standing in the Utah State Bar.
Experience providing general legal counsel to a governmental entity or senior-level management.
Firm understanding of the Utah Administrative Procedures Act and procedural and evidentiary rules for administrative proceedings and civil litigation in Utah.
Working knowledge of the Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act and rulemaking procedures.
Working knowledge of the Open and Public Meetings Act and the Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
Proficient legal analysis, including interpreting and applying case law, statutes, rules, and regulations.
Ability to write clearly and concisely while maintaining legal accuracy.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
Ability to learn novel computer applications and navigate agency-specific computer applications.
Submit a 5- to 10-page legal writing sample as part of the application.
Successfully pass a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising executive leadership.
Experience representing governmental entities.

Responsibilities

Provide consultation, recommendations, and legal advice to executive leadership, agency divisions, and related public bodies.
Receive, research, and respond to legal questions; gather evidence and prepare concise recommendations based on facts and applicable law.
Draft correspondence, reports, documents, administrative orders, and other written materials.
Review contracts, grants, and data-sharing agreements for compliance.
Prepare cases through legal research and evidence gathering, and facilitate resolution of civil and administrative actions.
Represent the agency at formal or informal hearings and present written and oral arguments before courts, judges, or adjudicators.
Take administrative and civil legal action against violations of statutes and rules, including enforcement of civil judgments.
Conduct conferences with parties, including self-represented parties, negotiate settlements, and attend court appearances.
Advise on compliance with federal and state law; review legal documents; draft administrative rules and agency policy; and represent the agency in public meetings and civil matters.