IntroductionDo you have experience as an attorney with some responsibility for research, development, planning and review of legislative and/or regulatory programs?Join us as an Assistant Legal Director and make a difference today!The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) has an anticipated opening for a dedicated and mission driven Assistant Legal Director to join their growing legal team. This role offers the unique opportunity to support public health initiatives, protect community well-being, and contribute to impactful statewide policy and regulatory work. This position will report to the Agency Legal Director and have primary responsibility for the operations of the regulatory and compliance unit within the Legal Office. If you are passionate about public service, thrive in a collaborative environment, and value meaningful work, we encourage you to apply!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS: - Location: 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
- Work Shift: Full-time, First Shift
- Work Hours: 40 hours per week, 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Telework may be available after successful completion of working test period
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU - Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO: - Serve as administrative prosecutors in professional disciplinary cases, or as legal advisors to program staff in the agency's two regulatory branches;
- Interpret statutes and regulations, draft proposed legislation and regulations, and coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General on pending matters as necessary;
- Coordinate, plan and manage the unit's activities, review and improve processes, develop standard operating procedures, determine priorities, and provide legal advice to agency leadership and staff;
- Supervise and review the work of the attorneys in the unit, conduct evaluations of legal and non-legal staff, and participate in the recruitment and hiring of new staff; and
- Perform other duties as requested by the Agency Legal Director.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)In a large state agency, this class is accountable for assisting in the direction of legal staff engaged in the legal work of the agency and works closely with the Office of the Attorney General on all legal matters.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Assists in directing staff and operations in a legal unit;
- Coordinates, plans and manages unit activities;
- Formulates program goals and objectives;
- Determines priorities and oversees and reviews work;
- Provides staff training and assistance;
- Conducts performance evaluations;
- In consultation with Office of the Attorney General performs a variety of difficult, complex and sensitive legal work;
- Researches and advises Commissioner on matters pertaining to legislation, regulations and administrative policy;
- Conducts and assists staff in preparation for administrative proceedings including preparation of administrative record;
- Prepares final decisions of Commissioner in contested cases;
- Assists staff and Office of the Attorney General in preparation for court cases;
- Interprets statutes and regulations and ensures conformance with statutory purpose and authority;
- Advises Commissioner concerning matters which require an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General and drafts requests for opinions;
- Acts as liaison between Commissioner and the Attorney General;
- Assists staff on matters relating to enforcement orders and civil penalties;
- Makes recommendations regarding agency program proposals, rules and policy;
- Assists in developing budget proposals for consistency with statutes and regulations;
- Drafts proposed legislation and regulations;
- Provides assistance to staff in implementing newly enacted legislation;
- Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
- May conduct legal seminars for department staff;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY - Considerable knowledge of
- and ability to apply management principals and practices;
- and ability to interpret relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
- relevant agency policies and procedures;
- the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act and civil procedures;
- legal practices and procedures in state and federal courts;
- Knowledge of legislative process;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- administrative ability.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCEThree (3) years of experience as an attorney with some responsibility for research, development, planning and review of legislative and/or regulatory programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience supervising and managing attorneys and paralegals
- Experience with drafting proposed legislation and regulations and researching and analyzing statutes and case law
- Experience interpreting and applying the Connecticut Uniform Administrative Procedure Act
- Litigation experience including drafting pre-trial motions, interviewing witnesses, conducting discovery
- Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSIncumbents in this class must be a member of the Connecticut Bar.
