Legal Office Director

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is hiring an Office Director (Legal) with the Office of Legal Counsel. The position supports the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of the Environmental Conservation Branch, and staff in the Bureaus of Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation. The legal work spans matters involving fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks, boating, the Environmental Conservation Police, and outdoor recreation. This is an appointed position that serves at the pleasure of the DEEP Commissioner. The role provides legal guidance and representation on a wide range of agency matters, including litigation and claims, public-private partnerships, contracts, legislation and regulations, natural-resource protection, land use and real estate, public safety, grants, and civil rights. It also supports the development of partnerships that provide public services on DEEP-managed properties and works with the Office of the Attorney General on certain claims. The work schedule is Monday through Friday on a hybrid schedule, with the position located in Hartford, Connecticut. The State highlights professional growth and development opportunities and a healthy work/life balance.

Requirements

Must be admitted to practice law in Connecticut, or meet the qualifications and requirements for admission under Section 2-13 of the Connecticut Practice Book and obtain Connecticut Bar membership within six months of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience communicating effectively with legal and programmatic stakeholders and preparing written legal communications involving research and analysis, such as memoranda of law, legal briefs, decisions, or opinions for judicial or administrative proceedings.
Experience leading teams and managing projects, including reviewing and overseeing legal personnel’s work product and performance.
Experience with administrative processes and the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, including drafting or promulgating regulations, participating in or adjudicating contested-case proceedings, or participating in administrative appeals.
Experience in administrative or judicial proceedings in state or federal forums.
Experience collaborating with subject-matter experts to achieve a client’s objectives.
Experience establishing public-private partnerships, including developing Requests for Information, Requests for Proposal, or similar procurement methods.
Experience independently preparing, reviewing, and enforcing contract terms and conditions, including those related to personal services, facility access, and the acquisition, care, and management of real property.
Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing legislation.

Responsibilities

Provide legal support to the Office of the Commissioner, particularly for the Environmental Conservation Branch and matters involving wildlife, fisheries, forests, parks, boating, and the Environmental Conservation Police.
Advise on hunting and fishing; management of inland and coastal fisheries, forests, and wildlife; protection of threatened and endangered species; and management and acquisition of public lands.
Advise on emergency response, enforcement, and public safety activities of the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police, as well as programs supporting equitable access to outdoor recreation.
Support development of Requests for Information and Requests for Proposal for private-sector partnerships to provide public services on DEEP-managed properties.
Draft and advise on leases, concession agreements, special use licenses, and similar partnership documents.
Support the agency in claims involving death, personal injury, and property damage before the Office of the Claims Commissioner or a court, working with the Office of the Attorney General.
Provide legal advice and support on legislative, regulatory, and administrative matters affecting Environmental Conservation Branch programs.
Provide legal advice on natural-resource protection, land use and real estate, public safety, personal service agreements, grants, memoranda of understanding, civil rights, and related matters.
Direct the staff and programs of an office, as described in the job-class purpose.