Staff Attorney 1

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is seeking a Staff Attorney 1 for its Commissioner's Legal Services Office. The position provides on-the-job training in agency legal work and supports the agency’s CHRO, Freedom of Information (FOI), and litigation caseloads. The selected candidate will work with Agency Legal Counsel to review, analyze, and investigate cases, draft legal responses and related documents, and represent the agency at formal hearings. The work includes complex matters requiring in-depth analysis, multi-stage review, and investigative support. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, first shift, and hybrid, with work performed remotely and in the Hartford office. Incumbents may be required to travel. The employee must be admitted to practice law in Connecticut by the conclusion of the applicable working test period; until then, the employee is to be referred to as a Legal Assistant.

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. Individuals qualifying for admission under Section 2-13 of the Connecticut Practice Book must also be admitted by that deadline.
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, agency policies and procedures, and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of criminal and constitutional law and the legislative process.
Interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes, comprehend and analyze technical data, and coordinate elements of legal cases.
Current State of Connecticut agency employee with at least six months of full-time or full-time-equivalent service, absent applicable collective bargaining language, and meeting the minimum qualifications.
May be required to travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering GovQA.
Experience coordinating Freedom of Information inquiries across multiple state agencies.
Experience representing an agency before the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC).
Ability to articulate goals and objectives and effectively engage with a wide variety of constituents at all levels.
Ability to write legal documents, investigatory reports, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Receive generalized 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 related legal documents.
Assist in 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 use in administrative and court proceedings.
Prepare 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 the preparation and maintenance of precedent manuals.
Review legal and related documents for legal sufficiency.
Provide legal counsel and advice when duly authorized.
Testify at or monitor legislative proceedings as needed.
Perform related duties as required.
Assist with the agency’s CHRO, FOI, and litigation caseloads, including case review, analysis, investigation, and drafting legal responses and related documents.