Closing Date: 24th September, 2026

Description:

Key Responsibilities:
The Utah Attorney General's Office, Highways & Utilities Division, is seeking an attorney to represent the Department of Transportation (UDOT) in eminent domain actions and other legal matters handled by the Division. Preference will be given to applicants with litigation experience. Applicants should be an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing.

Applicants must have the ability to analyze complex legal problems, apply legal principles, prepare legal documents, and present arguments clearly, persuasively and logically. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent UDOT in legal proceedings throughout the State.

As part of this application process, you must upload your resume, cover letter and a writing sample into your application profile. Writing samples should demonstrate proficiency in contested legal matters.

Responsibilities:

Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
Consults, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and facilitates decisions pertaining to client interests.
Determines needs in discovery, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision making and strategy sessions to prepare cases for court and determine the necessary evidence.
Writes or drafts court filings, correspondence and/or other legal materials.
Researches and responds to incoming client questions; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates resolution of legal disputes.
Represents the state, the client agency, or its officials in lawsuits and tries cases in district court, usually jury trials.
Prepares legal documents based upon facts of case, interpretations of law, and compliance with state and federal law.
Conducts conferences with opposing parties and/or attorneys and negotiates settlements.
May periodically represent client agencies in formal or informal administrative proceedings.
Occasionally 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)

A Juris Doctorate is required.
Active membership in the Utah State Bar required.
agency and/or organizational program(s)
communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
read interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally
legal processes and procedures
applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures
understand and apply case and statutory law
evaluation information against a set of standards
use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions
laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history
perform legal research using case law and appropriate techniques
laws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act)
make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
provide consultation and/or expert advice or testimony
knowledge of Rules of Evidence
interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
knowledge of principles, theories and practices of judicial or administrative law

Supplemental Information:

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.
Must be able to travel as required.
Salary is calculated based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law, as outlined below