Managing Attorney - Criminal Division

Description:

Description and Functions
Open Until Filled

General Description:
Lead at the highest level of state practice—without giving up your life outside the job.

If you are a seasoned attorney (7+ years of legal experience) feeling burnt out by the billable-grind or equity demands, the Wyoming Attorney General's Office offers a prestigious and fulfilling alternative. Step into a leadership position where your experience guides the development of the criminal law, provides state agency advice, and mentors the next generation of talented lawyers—all backed by predictable hours and a high quality of life.

As a Managing Attorney in our Criminal Division, you will serve as the section supervisor of the Appellate Section, leading a dedicated team of assistant and senior assistant attorneys general. You will oversee all direct criminal appeals to the Wyoming Supreme Court, stemming from the entire State of Wyoming. You will also oversee high-stakes legal counsel to state agencies, advise and collaborate with the prosecuting attorneys throughout the state, and tackle complex legislative issues affecting Wyoming. Working closely with the Division Deputy and agency leaders, you will shape legal strategy on high-profile matters that directly impact the state.

Why Lead in the Criminal Division?

• Executive Leadership & Mentorship: Manage, direct, and cultivate a team of attorneys. You will guide case strategy, assign workloads, and foster a collaborative environment without the pressure marketing to potential clients or handling overwhelming caseloads.
• High-Impact, Complex Practice: Handle complex appellate cases, advise agency executives, and evaluate draft legislation for the Governor's Office and state agencies.

Unmatched Quality of Life & Total Rewards: Leave billable hours and financial quotas behind. Enjoy an executive legal career supported by a comprehensive public benefits package—including strong retirement/pension contributions, deferred compensation options, generous paid leave, and reliable, predictable working hours.
If you are an experienced attorney and manager ready to apply your expertise to meaningful public service, we encourage you to apply. Review the position qualifications below and submit your application today.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resources Contact: Jennifer Erickson / (307) 275-1460 / jennifer.erickson1@wyo.gov

Essential Functions: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function performed at the job level.

• Handles complex tasks: litigation, development of legal strategy in litigation, rulemaking, contract review, document review, client counseling, legal research, opinion writing, appellate briefs, oral arguments, settlements.
• Manages/supervises/mentors attorneys, paralegals, and interns/externs.
• Other assignments/duties as directed by the Attorney General, Chief Deputy, and Division Deputy.
• Report to deputy, advise of activities and issues, recommend solutions.
• Track legislation and legislative bill review.
• Review, respond, and advise clients in responses to inquiries, complaints, and other communication from attorneys, the general public, and other agencies.
• Conduct in-house training for all attorneys.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Agency Requirements/**Agency Requirements:

• The online application system will require you to provide a significant amount of information during the application process. The system also allows you to attach additional electronic documents.
• All applicants must provide the following as part of the application process:
• Professional resume
• References
• Recent writing sample
• Law school transcript
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
The following categories of knowledge, skill, and ability are preferred:

• Knowledge of substantive and procedural law of state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Knowledge of the technical requirements of the law of evidence and procedure.
• Knowledge of political and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of statutory requirements affecting the conduct of public business by state agency clients.
• Knowledge of trial and appellate practice, administrative law, and civil and criminal procedure.
• Knowledge of Wyoming's body of criminal law.
• Skill in legal research, including drafting legal memoranda and briefs, presenting results and conclusions in an advocate's position.
• Skill in organizing ideas and legal principles in clear and concise oral and written presentations.
• Skill in communicating facts, theories, and arguments to people of varying educational, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Skill in assessing legal strengths and weaknesses of the client's position and negotiating or litigating relative merits.
• Skill in public speaking and case presentation.
• Skill in writing clearly and concisely.
• Ability to anticipate problems and prepare for them.
• Ability to isolate and organize multiple issues and present each clearly.
• Ability to relate factual situations to personnel and licensing policies under the statutory guidelines.
• Ability to ask questions, discuss legal issues, and talk with people.
• Ability to manage large amounts of information and analyze for legal impact.
• Ability to organize ideas and legal principles in clear and concise oral and written presentations.
• Ability to locate authorities, assimilate, and reason from related authorities.
• Ability to litigate civil actions and take them through appeal, if necessary.
• Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Juris Doctorate

Experience:
7 years of relevant legal experience. Has recognized expertise in at least one area of law.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Requires membership in the State Bar as an attorney qualified to practice law in this state.

Necessary Special Requirements:
Physical Working Conditions:

• Desk work
• Occasional travel

Notes:

• FLSA: Exempt
• This position is at-will and is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General (W.S. 9-1-608)
• Salary is commensurate with relevant legal experience.
• Those with experience or interest in criminal practice are encouraged to apply.
• Successful applicants are required to pass a criminal background investigation.

Supplemental Information:
015-Attorney General - Criminal Division

Click here (https://ai.wyo.gov/divisions/human-resources/consultative-services/compensation/pay-tables-salary-averages) to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Human Resources Contact: Jennifer Erickson / (307) 275-1460 / jennifer.erickson1@wyo.gov

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