Staff Attorney 2

The State of Connecticut Office of the Secretary of the State is accepting applications for a Staff Attorney 2 position with the Elections Division.  Under the direction of the Division Director, the successful candidate will be able to:

• Independently administer all aspects of elections for the State of Connecticut. 
• Advise local officials and other state agencies on the proper conduct of elections. 
• Draft new legislation regarding elections including compliance with federal law. 
• Review and certifying all forms and ballots used in federal, state, and municipal elections. 
• Manage statewide implementation of election systems and equipment required by federal law and associated training programs. 
• Work closely with the Division Director to implement election policy. 

This is a full-time (40 hours) position with work hours Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm., centrally located in Hartford CT. 

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application with their submission.  Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sofia Bonilla at sofia.bonilla@ct.gov; or (860)509-6053.

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the legal work of the agency.

Performs advanced and complex legal work of an agency; researches, interprets, analyzes and applies complex and conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles; acts as hearing officer or represents agency in formal administrative and public proceedings on a full range of cases involving complex legal and technical issues; negotiates and drafts settlement agreements; drafts advisory opinions, rulings, decisions, recommendations, findings, legislation, statutes, regulations, publications and other related legal documents; assists in the preparation and presentation of trials and appeals; consults with the Office of the Attorney General on legal issues; researches complex legal issues; conducts investigations and enforcement proceedings; prepares comprehensive reports for use in administrative and court proceedings; prepares pleadings and other court papers; interprets and applies complex or conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles; participates in the conduct of various educational activities; provides legal guidance when duly authorized; provides input into policy formation; may testify at or monitor legislative proceedings; may represent agency in court when authorized; reviews court decisions, new and proposed laws and regulations to determine impact on agency operations; prepares and maintains precedent manuals; reviews legal and other related documents for legal sufficiency; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures in Connecticut; considerable knowledge of legal research techniques; considerable knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; considerable knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of the rules of evidence; knowledge of criminal and constitutional law and legislative process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statues; considerable ability to comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

STAFF ATTORNEY 2: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law.
STAFF ATTORNEY 3: Three (3) years of experience in the practice of law at the level of Staff Attorney 2 in the same state agency.

Preferred Experience and Skills:   

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and clear verbal and written communication skills;       

• Experience developing and drafting legislation and regulations and knowledge of the processes and procedures for submitting proposed legislation and regulations;

• Knowledge of election procedure, practice and legislation;  

• Knowledge of regulations and laws governing federal, state and municipal election activities;   

• Ability to work cooperatively with a widely diverse population;   

• Ability to handle difficult situations while maintaining a high level of professionalism;   

• Ability to effectively handle sensitive and confidential information;

• Willingness to accept direction and assist where needed to support the Legislation Elections and Administrative Division; 

• Ability to independently represent the agency at various venues when necessary;  

• Must be PC proficient and have experience with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel.     

•Ability to independently administer elections for the State of Connecticut.    

•Advise local officials and other state agencies on the proper conduct of elections.   

•Manage statewide implementation of election systems and equipment and associated training programs.  

•Considerable knowledge of election equipment, systems and security.     

1. Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
2. May be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.