Staff Attorney 1

The State of Connecticut, Secretary of the State (SOTS) is currently seeking dynamic, passionate individuals eager to contribute their experience within the Business Services Division (BSD) as a Staff Attorney 1. Join our team and embark on a rewarding career that offers growth, superlative benefits, and a culture that encourages work/life balance. 

• Work for a Forbes top company - ‘Forbes’:  State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance, providing you with peace of mind and access to quality healthcare
• Robust pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings to secure your financial future
• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and 13 holidays per calendar year
• We are an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, which means you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.
• A culture that recognizes the importance of work/life balance and offers alternate work schedules and telecommuting options
• Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and development with training programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement within the State of Connecticut
• Connecticut is a strong community with a lot to offer in entertainment, food and shopping, recreation in our beautiful state parks and forests, diverse culture, and rich history. Learn more about all Connecticut has to offer.

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday
• Location: Hartford, CT
• Hybrid (office/telework) available for up to 80% of the week

• You have prior academic or professional experience related to the Freedom of Information Act (Title 1, Chapter 14), administrative law, and areas of law overseen by the Business Services Division, including the law on notarial acts (Title 3), business organizations (Title 33 and 34), trade and service marks (Title 35), the Uniform Commercial Code (Title 42a), and document authentication/apostille under the Hague Convention.
• You have prior litigation experience and are comfortable using technology to perform legal work. 
• You use your excellent organizational and relationship-management skills to provide prompt quality service and improve access to information.
• You’re dedicated to the administration and dissemination of knowledge on election procedure, practice, and legislation.
• You’re willing to accept direction and help where needed to assist the Business Services Division.
• You’re comfortable handling difficult situations with a high level of professionalism and can reach diverse populations.
• You want to do work that matters and want to build a better Connecticut with the Office of the Secretary of the State.

• Oversee requests for documents received under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act;
• Assist the foreign investigation unit in the collection of statutory penalties and fees for businesses that have failed to register in a timely manner with our office;
• Manage a large caseload while working collaboratively with the Office of the Attorney General and the office’s General Counsel to timely negotiate and close foreign investigation cases;
• Draft and review proposed bills;
• Review and draft contracts;
• Advise on system requirements for the Business Registration system; 
• Review and approve business, UCC, and trademark filings; 
• Conduct hearings under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; 
• Provide legal counsel to management and staff on related issues. 

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.

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

• To be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date of the job opening, unless otherwise specified. You must specify your qualifications on your application. 
• Ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. To comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut no longer requests resumes during the initial application process. Once your application is submitted into the JobAps system, you cannot make revisions.
• All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the specified deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Candidates may request a rare and documented exception for events that incapacitate them during the entire duration of the job posting period by providing a legally recognized justification to accommodate such an exception. Requests may be made to anne.dana@ct.gov. 

• Applicants will receive correspondence via email and are also encouraged to monitor their Personal Status Board daily for status updates, notices, and tasks required in the recruitment process.
• Some postings may require additional referral questions (RQs). You will receive an email with these questions after the posting’s closing date. Check your email and Personal Status Board for notifications, including your spam or junk folders. 
• You may be required to submit additional documentation supporting your qualifications at any point during the recruitment process. The documentation may include a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, or licensure, at the discretion of the hiring agency.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, but your application may be considered 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 offered a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

• Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot confirm receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. 
• If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Anne Dana at anne.dana@ct.gov.  
• Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn to stay updated on our career opportunities and news.