Staff Attorney 2

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) administers and enforces the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act to ensure public access to the records and meetings of public agencies. The Staff Attorney 2 independently performs a full range of agency legal work, including advanced and complex legal matters. The FOIC hears complaints from people denied access to public records or meetings, and its legal staff may represent the Commission and defend its decisions in court. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role is based at the FOIC office at 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. The employee must be flexible to meet agency needs and may be required to travel.

Requirements

At least two years of experience practicing law.
Admission to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
Considerable knowledge of Connecticut legal principles, practices, and procedures; legal research techniques; and the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
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.
Considerable interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes and to comprehend, analyze, and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.
May be required to travel.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced and complex legal work for the agency.
Research, interpret, analyze, and apply complex or conflicting laws, regulations, case law, and legal principles.
Act as a hearing officer or represent the agency in formal administrative and public proceedings involving complex legal and technical issues.
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.
Conduct investigations and enforcement proceedings.
Prepare comprehensive reports, pleadings, and other court papers for administrative and court proceedings.
Participate in educational activities and provide legal guidance when authorized.
Provide input into policy formation and review court decisions and proposed or enacted laws and regulations for their impact on agency operations.
Prepare and maintain precedent manuals and review legal and related documents for legal sufficiency.
May testify at or monitor legislative proceedings and may represent the agency in court when authorized.
Perform related duties as required.