Assistant Attorney General - Natural Resources

About the role

The Office of the Attorney General, Natural Resources Division, has an immediate opening for an attorney to work in its Public Lands Section. The incumbent in this position provides full-time representation to the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) on matters primarily pertaining to federal public lands in the State of Utah and engagement with the federal agencies that manage them.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
• Determines needs in discovery, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision-making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court.
• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents and/or other written materials.
• Receives, researches, and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates resolution.
• Represents the state or the client agency in lawsuits, grievances, and complaints. Engages in litigation, negotiates settlements, and participates in other court proceedings.
• Conducts (or represents agency at) formal and/or informal hearings.
• Interviews witnesses and takes depositions in preparation for trial.
• Some travel will be required with overnight stays.
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing.
• Read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• Speak clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Experience in the review, analysis, and legal interpretation of NEPA, APA, FLPMA, ESA, and/or NFMA preferred.
• Familiarity with R.S. 2477 is not required but would be beneficial.
• Analyze and draw conclusions regarding statutes, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and legislative history.
• Identify current and emerging trends in interpretation of legislative principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Member in good standing of 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).

Benefits

Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.

Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.

Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.

Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.