STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Staff Attorney 2

Recruitment #231002-0088AR-001

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Introduction


The State of Connecticut, Secretary of the State (SOTS) is currently seeking two (2) versatile and adept individuals eager to contribute their experience within the Legislation and Elections Administration Division (LEAD) as a Staff Attorney 2. Join our team and embark on a rewarding career that offers growth, superlative benefits, and a culture that encourages work/life balance. 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Full-Time, 40 hours per week
  • Monday through Friday
  • 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Hartford, CT
  • Hybrid (office/telework) may be available
THIS JOB IS FOR YOU IF
  • You’re dedicated to the administration and dissemination of knowledge on election procedure, practice, and legislation.
  • You’re willing to accept direction and assist where needed to assist the Legislation and Elections Administration Division.
  • You’re comfortable handling difficult situations with a high level of professionalism and are able to reach diverse populations.
  • You’re a strong communicator and figurehead, able to represent the agency and its interests and goals to various populations.
  • You value providing prompt quality service and improving access to information.
  • You have a passion for promoting participation in the democratic process by providing a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. 
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
  • Administer all aspects of elections for the State of Connecticut;
  • Advise local officials and other state agencies on the proper conduct of elections; 
  • Interpret and advise on Title IX;
  • Draft new legislation regarding elections including compliance with federal law; 
  • Review and certify 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.
ABOUT US
Through the dedication of knowledgeable staff and advanced technology, the Office of the Secretary of the State works as a team to provide a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. We are a repository of records for the State and provide important information and resources regarding business and commercial filings, elections, and authentication as prescribed by the constitution, and federal and state laws. We seek to bolster business development opportunities, and foster a more inclusive political process by educating, informing and engaging communities in youth and civic preparation.

The Legislation and Elections Administration Division (LEAD) administers, interprets and implements all state and federal laws pertaining to elections, primaries, nominating procedures, and the acquisition and exercise of voting rights. The division encourages and monitors the implementation of the National Voter Registration Act and other voter registration efforts in Connecticut. In addition, the division is the official keeper of all acts, orders, grants and resolutions of the General Assembly, receives and maintains legislation, regulations and a wide range of other public documents as required by statute, and administers Connecticut’s notary public program.

Selection Plan

For assistance in applying, please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page

TO APPLY
  • To be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. 
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date of the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Please ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. To comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You cannot make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and accountability to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such an exception.  Requests should be made to Anne.Dana@ct.gov or 860-509-6171.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board daily to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require the completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders daily in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation that addresses their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
CONNECT WITH US
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, the State of Connecticut cannot confirm receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. 
  • If you have any questions on this recruitment, please contact Anne Dana at Anne.Dana@ct.gov or 860-509-6171.
  • Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn.

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; 
  • 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; 
  • May testify at or monitor legislative proceedings; 
  • May represent agency in court when authorized; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience developing and drafting legislation and regulations, including the processes and procedures for submitting proposed legislation and regulations.
  • Experience interpreting and applying regulations and laws governing federal, state and municipal election activities.
  • Experience in elections administration roles, including handling of confidential information with discretion, confidentiality, and a high level of professionalism.
  • Experience evaluating and designing election systems, including election equipment, systems, and security.
  • Experience communicating to a diverse population and building consensus, including verbal and written communication, to represent the agency in various venues and advise local officials and other state agencies on the proper conduct of elections.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite software to carry out the general administration of work and Microsoft Excel to prepare spreadsheets, manage data, execute formulas, and formatting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
  • Incumbents in this class 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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.




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