Attorney I-DWS

Full Job Description

The Office of General Counsel of the Department of Workforce Services seeks one or more experienced attorneys to join a small team of in-house counsel.

This position is based in Salt Lake City; however, hybrid schedule telework opportunities may be available, provided client needs are met.

Infrequent travel may be required as incumbents may need to engage in litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the State.

The Office of General Counsel represents and advises agency executive leadership, agency divisions, and several public bodies supported by the agency, in all matters.

This may include providing legal opinions and counsel to ensure compliance with federal and state law; reviewing contracts, grants, and other legal documents; drafting administrative rules and agency policy; representing the agency in administrative proceedings and in public meetings; and representing the agency in civil matters, including debt collection.

Department divisions include Eligibility Services, Housing and Community Development, Office of Child Care, Office of Homeless Services, Refugee Services, State Office of Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Workforce Development, and Workforce Research and Analysis.

Preference will be given to applicants with advanced legal writing skills, strong communication skills, experience advising executive leadership and representing governmental entities.

The ability to learn novel computer applications is essential as navigating Department specific computer applications is required.

Membership in good standing in the Utah State Bar, or qualification to practice pending admission to the Utah Bar under Supreme Court Rule of Professional Practice 14-809, is required.

As part of this application process, you must upload a 5 to 10 page legal writing sample into your application profile. Applicants who do not provide a writing sample will not be considered.

The Ideal Candidate
The model applicant for this position is someone who possesses the following:

• A Juris Doctorate
• Active membership in the Utah Bar Association
• General understanding of laws governing privacy and access to government records
• Experience providing general legal counsel to a governmental entity or to senior level management
• Working knowledge of the Open and Public Meetings Act and the Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act
• Working knowledge of the Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act and rulemaking procedures
• Beyond proficient in legal analysis, including the interpretation and application of case law, statutes, rules, and regulations
• Firm understanding of the procedural and evidentiary rules for both administrative proceedings and civil litigation in Utah
• The ability to write clearly and concisely, while maintaining legal accuracy
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to meet the highest ethical standards and standards of professionalism

Why You Should Join Our Team
Besides working for a fantastic agency that is dedicated to helping the citizens of Utah, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Click here to view a summary of benefits we offer. We also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance

The Agency
The mission of Workforce Services is to strengthen Utah's communities by supporting the economic stability and quality of our workforce. Today, more than 2,200 Workforce Services employees assist individuals in preparing for and finding jobs, meeting workforce needs of Utah businesses, administering temporary assistance, and providing economic data and analysis. Through a collaborative approach, the department has served millions of Utahns and has become a leader on several statewide initiatives. These include intergenerational poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, supporting refugees, helping rural communities, serving veterans, and individuals with disabilities, and getting Utahns trained and back to work. To learn more about Workforce Services, click here.

Requirements

An employee in this position may perform the following tasks:

• Provide consultation, make recommendations, and give appropriate advice to assigned Department divisions.
• Receive, research, and respond to incoming questions or complaints; provide information, explain policy and procedures or facilitate a resolution.
• Communicate and manage relationships within office and clients while providing legal advice.
• Prepare documents consisting of concise recommendations based upon facts, interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
• Conduct legal research and analysis, gather evidence, and facilitate appropriate case outcomes.
• Write or draft correspondence, reports, documents or other written materials.
• Prepare cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
• Facilitate resolution of civil and administrative actions; represent agency at formal or informal hearings.
• Take administrative and civil legal action against violators of statutes and rules, including enforcement of civil judgments.
• Draft all types of pleadings and motions, including evidentiary motions, dispositive motions, and discovery motions.
• Determine needs in discovery; participate in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.
• Present written and oral argument on motions and other matters before any type of court, judge, or adjudicator.
• Conduct conferences with parties, including self-represented parties, negotiate settlements, and attend court appearances throughout the State.
• May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Additional Information

A Juris Doctorate and active membership in the Utah Bar are required.

However, third-year law students or recent graduates will be considered but must receive their juris doctorate and be admitted to the Bar within the 12-month probationary period.

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.DHRM rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current state of Utah employees.