Staff Attorney 2 (Hybrid)

Closing Date: 10th May, 2024

Description:

• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
• A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation's best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown's Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., along with comprehensive benefit offerings
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
• Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year;
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities; and
• A healthy work-life balance for all employees!
• Eligibility to apply for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.

• This Staff Attorney 2 will advise the Director of Parole and Community Services, as well as other high-level PCS staff, on a variety of legal topics related to parole and other forms of community supervision.
• These topics include but are not limited to constitutional law, criminal law, probate law, the Freedom of Information Act, and litigation strategy.
• The Staff Attorney 2 would work closely with the Office of the Attorney General, assisting with litigating federal and state court cases, and would also directly represent the Division of PCS before administrative agencies, including in probable cause and revocation hearings before the Board of Pardons and Parole.
• This position would also entail training PCS staff on legal issues and developing and updating internal policies.
• This position is full-time, first-shift. Schedule is Monday – Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
• Hybrid work schedule may begin after completion of working test period.

• Provide legal advice to high level PCS officials on a variety of legal topics.
• Review and draft internal policies.
• Conduct training sessions for PCS staff on a variety of legal issues.
• Represent parole officers at probable cause and revocation hearings before the Board of Pardons and Parole.
• Prepare staff for hearings before the Board of Pardons and Parole.
• Collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation, including discovery, settlement conferences, and trial strategy.
• Appear on behalf of the Department (specifically the Division of PCS) and its employees in probate court and before administrative entities such as the Freedom of Information Commission, the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, and the Board of Pardons and Parole.

• 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;

• the rules of evidence;
• criminal and constitutional law and legislative process;

• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills;

• apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes;
• comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

• Experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including, but not limited to, discovery.
• Experience with one or more of the following agencies: Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC), Department of Labor (DOL).
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Examples include:
• Written: Ability to write persuasively and clearly about legal topics for both attorneys/judges and non-attorneys. Ability to produce a polished final written product that requires little editing by others (i.e., written clearly, free from grammar and spelling errors, in a forum appropriate to the forum). Ability to write legal briefs/legal opinion memos.
• Oral Communication: Ability to argue/present ideas persuasively before judge, fact finder, hearing officer, arbitrator, etc. Ability to present a case in an administrative forum (examine, cross examine a witness, present evidence, present opening/closing arguments). Ability to assert point of view at a meeting (either internal or external to the agency) and ask appropriate questions. Ability to convey legal concepts to a non-attorney audience.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to maintain good relationships with co-workers, employees of other agencies, judges, advocates, etc. Ability to work well in both a team environment (supporting leaders, co-workers, and subordinates) as well as independently. Ability to interact professionally even when dealing with confrontational individuals.

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