Legal Program Director

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is seeking applications for the role of Legal Program Director within the Legal Division. This position offers professional growth and development opportunities, along with a healthy work/life balance. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, typically Monday-Friday, first shift, with hybrid and flex work schedules available. Weekend and evening availability may be required to meet agency needs. The Legal Program Director will be responsible for case development, negotiation, and prosecution at administrative hearings. They will oversee teams enforcing the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practice Act and the Connecticut Lemon Law Program, and assist in developing and operationalizing policy within the Legal Division. The mission of the DCP is to promote a fair and equitable marketplace and ensure safe products and services for consumers.

Requirements

Current State of CT employee with at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language
Incumbents in this class must be a member of the Connecticut Bar
Three (3) years of experience as an attorney with some responsibility for research, development, planning and review of legislative and/or regulatory and/or legal programs
Considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures
Considerable knowledge of Uniform Administrative Procedures Act
Considerable knowledge of legislative process
Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices
Considerable interpersonal skills
Considerable oral and written communication skills
Considerable ability to interpret, analyze and prepare legislation and other legal documents

Nice To Haves

Legal experience with the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act
Experience with identifying legal issues from consumer complaints
Experience managing attorneys, paralegals, or investigators
Experience appearing before Connecticut boards and commissions, such as Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities or Freedom of Information Commission
Experience working with arbitration proceedings

Responsibilities

Responsible for case development, negotiation, and prosecution at administrative hearings
Oversee a team of attorneys, paralegals, and investigators focused on enforcing the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practice Act
Oversee team of attorneys, analysts, and investigators charged with enforcing the Connecticut Lemon Law Program
Assist with developing and operationalizing policy in the Legal Division
Other related duties
Directs staff and operations of the legal unit and in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General works on a variety of difficult, complex and sensitive legal matters
Coordinates, plans and manages unit activities
Assists in development of agency program proposals, rules and policy
Interprets statutes and regulations and ensures conformance with statutory purpose and authority
Evaluates staff
Assists in developing budget proposals for consistency with statutes and regulations
Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of unit who might impact program activities
Provides staff training and assistance
Researches and advises on matters pertaining to law, legislation, regulations and administrative policy
Drafts proposed legislation and regulations
Provides assistance to staff in implementing newly enacted legislation
Conducts and assists staff in preparation for administrative proceedings including preparation of administrative record
Prepares final decisions in contested cases
Assists staff and Office of the Attorney General in preparation for court cases
Drafts, negotiates, and completes administrative review of contracts and agreements
Advises on matters which require an opinion from Office of the Attorney General and drafts requests for opinions
Acts as liaison between Commissioner, agency head or other administrative official and Attorney General
Assists staff on matters relating to enforcement orders and civil penalties
Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection
May conduct legal seminars for department staff
Performs related duties as required