General Counsel I

Overview

The Department of Labor is seeking a General Counsel (GC) I to provide legal advice and support to the Commissioner and other Department officials. This is the chief legal position of the Department, reporting directly to the Commissioner. The GC will manage a complex and varied workload providing legal advice on significant public policy matters and in areas of substantial financial impact, as well as may appear before legislative committees on bills of particular importance to the Department as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of the Department's legal team, involving Workers' Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, VOSHA, and Wage and Hour, as well as the associated appeal efforts in those programs.
• Member of the Department's Senior Leadership Team, providing legal guidance with regards to extensive federal and state regulations as it relates to the various programs within the Department.
• Ensure support either personally or via the Department's legal team for the Vermont Employment Security Board.
• Legal review of Department's contracts and grant agreements.
• Coordination of the Department's administrative rulemaking efforts.
• Participation in the development and execution of litigation strategies in state, federal and regulatory forums relating to the work of the Department.
• Serve as liaison to the Office of the Attorney General with respect to the work of Assistant Attorneys General providing legal support to the Department.
• Serve as the Department's public records officer.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the Vermont bar or eligible for admission.
• At least 5 years of relevant legal experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of administrative law and other areas of the law relevant to the work of the Department.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships among a variety of constituents.

Schedule

• Working in the Montpelier office at least 3 days a week, with the potential to work some days out of a district office for the right candidate.
• A regular presence with the Wage and Hour program team in the Burlington office is also required.

How to apply

To apply: please provide a cover letter and resume to Chris Winters at chris.winters@vermont.gov. Application materials will be reviewed as they are received. This position is open until filled.