STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Staff Attorney 2

Recruitment #200923-0088AR-001

Introduction




Looking for a new challenge? The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is recruiting for a Staff Attorney 2 within DESPP’s Legal Affairs Unit in Middletown, CT!

Job Details
DESPP is made up of six divisions, each having its own unique legal needs. Staff Attorneys are responsible for a range of complex legal work in support of these divisions and other agency units. The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following:
  • Providing legal guidance to each of the six divisions and agency units;
  • conducting research;
  • responding to freedom of information requests;
  • consulting with the offices of Attorney General and State’s Attorney;
  • providing input into agency litigation;
  • interpreting and analyzing laws and regulations;
  • representing the agency in formal administrative hearings;
  • providing input into policy formation;
  • drafting proposed laws and regulations; and
  • performing related duties as required.
This is a full time, 40 hour per week position. Telework may be available.

We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year!

About Us
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.

In striving to accomplish our mission, we will embody our core values with great PRIDE:
  • Professionalism through an elite and diverse team of trained men and women.
  • Respect for ourselves and others through our words and actions.
  • Integrity through adherence to standards and values that merit public trust.
  • Dedication to our colleagues, our values, and to the service of others.
  • Equality through fair and unprejudiced application of the law.

Selection Plan

Candidate selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees:
  • Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
  • Cover letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13 
Non State Employees:
  • Two (2) letters of professional reference from a current and/or previous supervisor
  • Cover Letter
  • Completed CT-HR-13.  
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Click here (CT-HR-13) to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum. The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website http://portal.ct.gov/das by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field. Also considered in this selection process: Any pending or disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records.

Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your application accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment process.

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Jake Ferrari via email at jake.ferrari@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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 statutes; considerable ability to comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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 QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience handling matters governed by the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
  • Experience providing legal analysis and/or statutory interpretation.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating legal agreements.
  • Experience performing legal research and writing.
  • Experience reviewing and processing documents for disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
  • Experience with litigation and/ or criminal law.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Conclusion

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.