Staff Attorney 2

 

The State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is seeking a qualified applicant to fill a full-time Staff Attorney 2 position with the DMV Legal Services Division, located in the Wethersfield Office. The current schedule is Monday through Friday. Travel within the state may be required.

Candidate must meet the following requirements: experience developing and drafting regulations within a state or quasi-state agency and knowledge of the processes and procedures for submitting proposed regulations; proficiency using the state’s e-regulations system; experience with negotiating and drafting contracts on behalf of an agency in accordance with state contracting laws;  familiarity with the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act;  working knowledge of the legislative process and with tracking bills during the legislative session;  familiarity with the Freedom of Information Act and its applicability to state agency records. Must have working knowledge of the legislative process.  Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

Please ensure that your application is complete and that you have included a resume within the "resume tab" of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.   

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact DMV Human Resources at (860)263-5268. 

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 candidate will have:

• Knowledge of Connecticut’s procurement laws as they apply to state agencies
• Experience drafting and reviewing contracts
• Motivation to independently explore the different functions for which the DMV is responsible and develop programs within a legal framework that assist with the functioning of the agency and contribute to its efficiency
• Superior and creative problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to adapt to a variety of legal assignments that involve different skill sets while meeting set deadlines
• Ability to independently conduct research that is thorough and relevant to the topic using a variety of sources, including legal databases
• Ability to work cooperatively with a widely diverse population
• Willingness to accept direction and assist where needed to support the Legal Services Division
• Ability to handle difficult situations while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Ability to independently represent the agency at various venues when necessary

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.