State of Utah
Full Job Description
JOB
Assistant Attorney General – Criminal Appeals – Post ConvictionThe Criminal Appeals Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office has an immediate vacancy for an appellate attorney. Duties include representing the State of Utah in state appellate courts in felony appeals and consulting with prosecutors statewide. The attorney will carry a substantial appellate briefing load, respond to pre-briefing matters as assigned, and present oral argument. Proven excellent written and oral advocacy skills and the ability to meet pressing filing deadlines are a must. Strong preference will be given for appellate and criminal law experience. Incumbent must either practice law as an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing or be sworn into the Utah State Bar within the one-year probationary period. Third year law students may apply, but offers will be contingent on the successful candidate passing the Utah State Bar within one-year from the hire date. Some travel may be required as attorneys need to represent the State in criminal trials, civil litigation or other legal proceedings throughout the State. Security background checks are completed as a condition of employment.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.Writes or drafts appellate briefs, correspondence, documents and/or other written materials.Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints and/or other matters.Drafts working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.Represents the State in the appellate courts.May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)agency and/or organizational program(s)communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writingread, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or proceduresspeak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verballylegal processes and proceduresapplicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedurescivil and criminal justice lawsunderstand and apply case and statutory lawevaluate information against a set of standardsuse logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusionslaws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative historyperform legal research using case law and appropriate techniqueslaws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act)make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutionsdeal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalismprovide consultation and/or expert advice or testimonyrules of evidence and civil and/or criminal procedureinterpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretationprinciples, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.Where statute mandates, active membership in the Utah State Bar.Must be able to travel as required.Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).