Assistant Attorney General

Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Section of the Litigation Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office seeks an attorney to represent state employees, state agencies, school districts and universities in civil rights litigation.

The Civil Rights Section defends civil rights litigation against state entities and employees. These claims are primarily brought in federal court pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 alleging violations of rights under the United States Constitution but may include pendant state-law tort claims and state constitutional claims. The successful applicant should anticipate litigating Eighth Amendment claims alleging inadequate medical care against corrections officers; Fourth Amendment claims alleging excessive force and illegal search and seizure against Utah Highway Patrol Troopers; and First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment claims against other state agencies and their employees. Attorneys in the Civil Rights Section also defend Universities and school districts in lawsuits alleging Title VI, Title IX, and ADA violations.

This position requires excellent written and oral advocacy skills. This position also requires experience and ability to immediately assume primary responsibility for litigating cases with minimal supervision. At least five years civil litigation experience. Knowledge of federal and state civil litigation, the Utah Governmental Immunity Act and the substantive and procedural elements of litigating § 1983 claims in federal court is preferred.

Membership in good standing in the Utah State Bar, or qualification for practice pending admission to the Utah Bar under Utah Supreme Court Rule of Professional Practice14-809, is required. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent their clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the state.

• Prepare cases for trial by conducting legal research, gathering evidence, prepare all pretrial documents (motions in limine, jury instructions, etc.), making opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations, and make closing arguments.
• Provide consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate advice to client agencies.
• Determine discovery needs, conduct depositions, complete written discovery; participate in strategy sessions to prepare case for trial, determine evidence to use and how to present.
• Write/draft motions, court briefs, correspondence, reports, memoranda, etc.
• Represent the State and client agencies in lawsuits and administrative proceedings.
• May be required to travel to various locations and stay overnight.

(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)

• communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
• read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, policies and procedures
• speak clearly, concisely, and effectively; listen to, and understand information and ideas presented verbally
• knowledge of legal processes and procedures
• knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; including state and federal case law and knowledge of bankruptcy law
• understand and apply case law and statutory law
• use logic to identify and analyze underlying principles, reasons, and facts to draw correct conclusions
• perform legal research using appropriate techniques and systems
• make decisions or solve problems using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
• conduct settlement negotiations and arrive at suitable terms when appropriate and advisable
• relate to people in sensitive, tactful and professional manner
• provide consultation and expert advice in team settings
• knowledge of Rules of Evidence
• knowledge of principles of judicial and administrative law
• knowledge of electronic document preparation and electronic document management and work systems (including MS Office, Adobe, other)

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel as required.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA a).
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar required by the end of the probationary period.
• Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For the purpose of starting salary calculation, experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law. Annual salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below:

Grade Level

Bar Year

Approximate Salary

I

$121,500

II

$127,700

III

$134,300

IV

2015-Prior

$140,900 - $180,000

(Depending on Experience)