Utah Attorney General's Office - Assistant Attorney General - Public Lands
The Office of the Attorney General, Natural Resources division has an immediate opening for an attorney to work in its Public Lands section. The incumbent in this position provides full time representation to the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) and the Constitutional Defense Council on matters primarily pertaining to the public lands and the federal agencies that manage them.
Litigation and courtroom experience are preferred. Some working knowledge of administrative law, and public lands law, particularly R.S. 2477, is preferred. The successful candidate must have excellent oral advocacy and writing skills, have experience reviewing and managing large volumes of documents, and be proficient in legal research and computer skills. The successful applicant must have excellent case management skills as well as the ability to build rapport and work cooperatively with client agency representatives. This position will include working with county officials and state legislators.
This position is for an attorney with up to 5 years of legal experience. Preference will be given to applicants with 3-5 years of experience, although entry level attorneys will also be considered. The successful candidate must be a member in good standing with the Utah State Bar upon application. Background checks are completed as a condition of employment. Travel is required as incumbents will need to represent the State in legal proceedings throughout the State.
Example of Duties
Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
Determine needs in discovery, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.
Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents and/or other written materials.
Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, and complaints.
Drafts litigation working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
Conducts conferences with defendants and/or attorneys, negotiate settlements, and testify in court.
Conducts, or represents agency at, formal or informal hearings.
May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.
al Qualifications
(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)
agency and/or organizational program(s)
communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally
legal processes and procedures
applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures
civil and criminal justice laws
understand and apply case and statutory law
evaluate information against a set of standards
use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions
laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history
perform legal research using case law and appropriate techniques
laws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act)
make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
provide consultation and/or expert advice or testimony
rules of evidence
interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
Fair Labor Standards Act and related employment legislation
principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law
Supplemental Information
A Juris Doctorate is required.
Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
Where statute mandates, active membership in the Utah State Bar.
Must be able to travel as required.
Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).