Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights

Salary: $55.62 - $86.43 Hourly
Location : Salt Lake County, UT
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 43770
Agency: 080 Attorney General
Unit: 8301 Litigation
Opening Date: 04/08/2025
Closing Date: 4/29/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Recruiter: Ally Aldrich
# of Openings: 1
Location: 160 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Schedule Code: AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office.
Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules
EEO Statement: The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.

Job Description
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 or a combination of civil litigation experience and a judicial clerkship is required. 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 Practice 14-809, is required. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent their clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the state.
Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications
(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)

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.
• 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 53-3-202(1)(a).
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar required by the end of the probationary period.
• Salary is calculated based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law, as outlined below. Bar YearBase RateAnnual (Rounded)2022-2024$55.62$115,6902019-2021$58.62$121,9302012-2018$61.71$128,3572007-2011$64.89$134,9712002-2006$67.98$141,3981997-2001$71.07$147,8261992-1996$74.16$154,2531987-1991$77.25$160,6801982-1986$80.34$167,1071977-1981$83.43$173,5341976-Prior$86.43$179,774

Benefits:
The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click

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01

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Your answers to the questions on this application must be supported by your resume or work history.

• I acknowledge I have read the above statement.

02

As part of the application process, you must submit a writing sample. Failure to include a writing sample with your application may result in disqualification from further consideration for this position.

• I acknowledge I have read the above statement.

03

Are you a member in good standing with the Utah State Bar (or qualified under Utah Court Rule 14-809)?

• Yes
• No

04

What year did you pass the Bar? (Please list the state as well if initial bar admittance was not in Utah).
05

Please rate your level of experience with complex civil litigation in state and federal courts.

• None
• Limited
• Moderate
• Extensive

06

Please provide details of your litigation experience, including any experience you may have in representing government entities.
Required Question