Staff Attorney 1

State of Connecticut • Middletown, CT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is hiring a Staff Attorney 1. The position focuses primarily on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters and involves independently managing public records requests, including high-profile and complex matters. The attorney reviews and redacts agency records for compliance with FOIA. The work offers exposure to administrative proceedings and complex records analysis in a high-volume, fast-paced legal environment.

The role receives on-the-job training in all aspects of agency legal work. Duties may include representing the agency in administrative and public proceedings, analyzing evidence, conducting legal research and investigations, drafting legal documents, preparing cases for trials and appeals, and advising on the effect of laws and regulations on agency operations. Incumbents may be required to travel and must be admitted to practice law in Connecticut by the conclusion of the applicable working test period. Until admitted, the incumbent is referred to as a Legal Assistant.

This is a full-time, Monday-through-Friday position based in Middletown. A hybrid schedule is available based on agency need.

Requirements

• Degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut by the conclusion of the applicable working test period.
• Knowledge of Connecticut legal principles, practices, and procedures; legal research techniques; the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; and civil procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, legislation, and agency policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, and the legislative process.
• Interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in administrative law or legal practice in a public-sector or governmental setting.
• Experience with administrative hearings, regulatory matters, or public-sector legal work.
• Experience applying or interpreting the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, public records, or open-government principles.
• Experience conducting legal research, analyzing legal authorities, and drafting regulations in an administrative or regulatory setting.
• Experience managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Experience communicating legal matters to non-legal staff.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage public records requests, including high-profile and complex FOIA matters.
• Review and redact agency records to comply with the Freedom of Information Act.
• Receive training in all aspects of agency legal work.
• Act as a hearing officer or represent the agency in formal administrative and public proceedings involving legal and technical issues.
• Analyze complex and technical evidence.
• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements.
• Draft advisory opinions, rulings, decisions, recommendations, findings, legislation, statutes, regulations, publications, and other legal documents.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of trials and appeals.
• Consult with the Office of the Attorney General on legal issues.
• Research routine legal issues and assist in researching complex legal issues.
• Conduct investigations and enforcement proceedings.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for administrative and court proceedings, as well as pleadings and other court papers.
• Interpret statutes, regulations, and rulings.
• Participate in educational activities.
• Review court decisions and new or proposed laws and regulations to determine their impact on agency operations.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining precedent manuals.
• Review legal and related documents for legal sufficiency.
• Provide legal counsel and advice when duly authorized.
• Testify at or monitor legislative proceedings when required.
• Perform related duties as required.
• Travel when required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer; qualifying student loans may be eligible for forgiveness after 10 years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed