Division Director - Litigation

State of Utah • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Utah Attorney General has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney to serve as Director of the Litigation Division. The Division provides legal counsel to state agencies, officers, and employees in prelitigation matters to identify and manage risk exposure, represents clients in pre‑suit administrative hearings, and acts as litigation counsel in matters pending in state and federal court. The division represents clients in a range of legal matters, with an emphasis on defense of civil rights, employment, and torts claims as well as petitions for judicial review of responses to public records requests. Preference will be given to applicants with experience as lead counsel in complex litigation in state and federal court and with demonstrated management experience. The Director’s responsibilities include: Serving as lead litigation counsel on matters of high importance, sensitivity, or significant risk exposure. Assigning cases to division attorneys and overseeing case handling to ensure effective representation. Mentoring attorneys and support staff and providing training and support for professional development. Coordinating with claims managers and adjusters at the Division of State Risk Management and the Utah Transit Authority on assigned claims. Implementing office directives at the division level. Essential qualifications include prior experience leading litigation teams handling civil rights, employment, and/or tort matters, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with client leadership and general counsel. Experience managing complex e‑discovery projects and hands‑on work with one or more e‑discovery platforms is strongly preferred. Leadership experience — particularly in a legal setting — is desirable, as is experience representing government entities in administrative or judicial appeals involving public records requests.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Candidate must be licensed to practice law in Utah or able to obtain licensure promptly.
• Finds representing and litigating the public’s interest rewarding.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Significant experience with complex civil litigation and client management.
• Experience managing and training attorneys and staff.
• Knowledge of laws governing access to public records (e.g., GRAMA and FOIA).
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks while supporting other attorneys and staff.
• Superb writing skills.
• Firm understanding of state and federal civil procedural and evidentiary rules.
• Commitment to the highest standards of work-product, professionalism, and ethics.
• Proficiency with modern legal technology.
• Knowledge of government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history.
• Ability to interact with others with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as lead counsel in complex litigation in state and federal court
• Demonstrated management experience
• Experience managing complex e‑discovery projects and hands‑on work with one or more e‑discovery platforms is strongly preferred.
• Leadership experience — particularly in a legal setting — is desirable
• Experience representing government entities in administrative or judicial appeals involving public records requests.
• At least ten years of legal practice
• Five years of experience in a lead litigation counsel role.

Responsibilities

• Complex civil litigation and client management.
• Mentor and train attorneys, clerks, paralegals, and staff.
• Evaluate and supervise team members.
• Represent and advise various client agencies.
• Assist and collaborate with the Office leadership and other Division Directors.
• Develop and enforce division policies and procedures.
• Handle high-profile and complex cases.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Negotiate resolution of complex, multi-party litigation.
• Communicate, write, and listen well.
• Draft legal briefs, contracts, and memoranda.
• Advise clients and colleagues on complex issues of law and regulation.
• Present on topics at conferences and panels.
• Learn new skills and practice areas as needed.
• Potential travel to various offices, events and courts in and outside of Utah.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager