Division Director - Litigation

Full-time position based in Salt Lake City, UT (160 East 300 South). This role is not suitable for remote work.

Application deadline: 8/19/2026. This posting may close early if a sufficient applicant pool is received.

About the Role

The Office of the Utah Attorney General has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney to serve as Director of the Litigation Division. The Division provides legal counsel to state agencies, officers, and employees in prelitigation matters to identify and manage risk exposure, represents clients in pre-suit administrative hearings, and acts as litigation counsel in matters pending in state and federal court. The division represents clients in a range of legal matters, with an emphasis on defense of civil rights, employment, and torts claims as well as petitions for judicial review of responses to public records requests.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience as lead counsel in complex litigation in state and federal court and with demonstrated management experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead litigation counsel on matters of high importance, sensitivity, or significant risk exposure.
• Assign cases to division attorneys and oversee case handling to ensure effective representation.
• Mentor attorneys and support staff and provide training and support for professional development.
• Coordinate with claims managers and adjusters at the Division of State Risk Management and the Utah Transit Authority on assigned claims.
• Implement office directives at the division level.
• Handle complex civil litigation and client management.
• Mentor and train attorneys, clerks, paralegals, and staff; evaluate and supervise team members.
• Represent and advise various client agencies.
• Assist and collaborate with the Office leadership and other Division Directors.
• Develop and enforce division policies and procedures.
• Handle high-profile and complex cases.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Negotiate resolution of complex, multi-party litigation.
• Draft legal briefs, contracts, and memoranda; advise clients and colleagues on complex issues of law and regulation.
• Present on topics at conferences and panels.
• Travel to various offices, events, and courts in and outside of Utah (approximately eight to ten times a year).

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate required; must be licensed to practice law in Utah or able to obtain licensure promptly.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Significant experience with complex civil litigation and client management.
• Experience managing and training attorneys and staff.
• Knowledge of laws governing access to public records (e.g., GRAMA and FOIA).
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks while supporting other attorneys and staff.
• Superb writing skills and firm understanding of state and federal civil procedural and evidentiary rules.
• Commitment to the highest standards of work-product, professionalism, and ethics.
• Proficiency with modern legal technology.
• Knowledge of government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history.
• Ability to interact with others with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway per Utah Code section 53-3-202(1)(a).
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar is required.

Preference will be given to candidates with at least ten years of legal practice and five years of experience in a lead litigation counsel role.

Pay

Hourly wage: $68.18 - $89.70. Salary is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law. Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level peers in non-supervisory positions. Division Directors may receive an annual management increase.

Benefits

• Job stability within a well-established organization.
• Career growth and leadership opportunities.
• Meaningful work contributing to community and organizational goals.
• Supportive work environment valuing cooperation and mutual support.
• Work/life balance initiatives.

A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.