Assistant Legal Director

This position is a managerial position with a 40 hour workweek, Monday through Friday, first shift.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current state employee, who has permanent state status and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

Applicants for this position must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.  This position will serve as the Assistant Legal Director for the Department of Correction.  This position is based out of our Central Office in Wethersfield, but will require travel around the state to our various Correctional Institutions. 

In a large state agency, this class is accountable for assisting in the direction and supervision of legal staff engaged in the legal work of the agency; works closely with the Office of the Attorney General on all legal matters.

Assists in the direction of staff in a legal unit; coordinates, plans and manages unit activities; formulates program goals and objectives; determines priorities and oversees and reviews work; provides staff training and assistance; conducts performance evaluations; in consultation with Office of the Attorney General performs a variety of difficult, complex and sensitive legal work; researches and advises Commissioner on matters pertaining to legislation, regulations and administrative policy; conducts and assists staff in preparation for administrative proceedings including preparation of administrative record; prepares final decisions of Commissioner in contested cases; assists staff and Office of the Attorney General in preparation for court cases; interprets statutes and regulations and ensures conformance with statutory purpose and authority; advises Commissioner concerning matters which require an opinion from Office of the Attorney General and drafts requests for opinions; acts as liaison between Commissioner and Attorney General; assists staff on matters relating to enforcement orders and civil penalties; makes recommendations regarding agency program proposals, rules and policy; assists in developing budget proposals for consistency with statutes and regulations; drafts proposed legislation and regulations; provides assistance to staff in implementing newly enacted legislation; may conduct legal seminars for department staff; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principals and techniques; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act and civil procedures; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of legal practices and procedures in state and federal courts; knowledge of legislative process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable administrative ability.

Three (3) years of experience as an attorney with some responsibility for research, development, planning and review of legislative and/or regulatory programs.

Candidates with extensive experience with administrative agencies, particularly the Freedom of Information Commission and/or Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities will be given preference for this position.  An extensive knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Art is also desired.  Candidates with demonstrated experience or education in the area of criminal justice are also encouraged to apply.

Incumbents in this class must be a member of the Connecticut Bar.

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.