State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In a state agency this class is accountable for directing the legal staff of the agency and acting as legal advisor to the Commissioner in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General on complex legal issues.

Incumbents in this class function as the agency's sole legal director responsible for multiple legal functions such as adjudications, legal services and enforcement. Incumbents must supervise at least two attorneys assigned to the legal division of the agency.

• Directs staff and operations of the agency's legal division;
• Coordinates, plans and manages division activities;
• Formulates program goals and objectives;
• Develops or assists in development of related policies;
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
• Evaluates staff;
• Prepares or assists in preparation of division budget;
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact program activities;
• In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, directs research of legal issues or researches complex legal issues relating to the agency;
• Examines potential litigation and makes recommendations to agency Commissioner;
• Drafts legal memoranda, legal opinion letters or declaratory rulings;
• Participates in drafting and review of all proposed legislation, regulations and agency policies and guidance documents;
• Oversees drafting and administrative review of all agency contracts and agreements; may manage all FOIA requests for the agency;
• Conducts investigations as required;
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• May act as agency legislative liaison;
• May testify before legislative committee;
• Performs related duties are required.

• Considerable knowledge of
  • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
  • and ability to interpret relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • relevant agency policies and procedures;
  • the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act;
  • legal practices and procedures in federal courts and state venues;
  • legislative processes;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills.

NOTE: Managerial experience is defined as formulating program goals and objectives, developing and implementing program procedures, initiating program policies and developing and/or monitoring a budget.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Agency Legal Director in Salary Group MP 70 approved effective January 7, 2022. (Revise to add Acknowledgment section and modify content) Final No. 22-007