Agency Legal Director

at  State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services Public Protection

Are you an attorney who enjoys complex problem-solving and leading teams of dedicated professionals? If so, we have an outstanding opportunity for you to consider!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is looking to fill one Agency Legal Director position in our Legal Affairs Unit. This position will be responsible for directing the legal staff of the Agency and acting as legal advisor to the Commissioner in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General on complex legal issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
• and ability to apply management principles and practices;
• and ability to interpret relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
• relevant agency policies and procedures;
• the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act;
• legal practices and procedures in federal courts and state venues;
• legislative processes;
• Considerable
• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience as an attorney with some responsibility for research, development, planning and review of legislative and/or regulatory programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
NOTE: Managerial experience is defined as formulating program goals and objectives, developing and implementing program procedures, initiating program policies and developing and/or monitoring a budget.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in handling litigation, arbitration, and administrative hearings;
• Experience with responding to Freedom of Information requests;
• Experience researching, analyzing, interpreting and implementing state and federal laws and regulations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.

YOUR ROLE

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday and work hours will be determined upon hire. In this role, you’ll enjoy a hybrid (remote/in-office) work schedule, with the office centrally located at the DESPP Headquarters in Middletown, CT.

As Agency Legal Director, you will be responsible for the following:

• Directs staff and operations of the agency’s legal division;
• Coordinates, plans and manages division activities;
• Formulates program goals and objectives;
• Develops or assists in development of related policies;
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
• Evaluates staff;
• Prepares or assists in preparation of division budget;
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact program activities;
• In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, directs research of legal issues or researches complex legal issues relating to the agency;
• Examines potential litigation and makes recommendations to agency Commissioner;
• Drafts legal memoranda, legal opinion letters or declaratory rulings;
• Participates in drafting and review of all proposed legislation, regulations and agency policies and guidance documents;
• Oversees drafting and administrative review of all agency contracts and agreements; may manage all FOIA requests for the agency;
• Conducts investigations as required;

More details can be found in the class specification.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for directing the legal staff of the agency and acting as legal advisor to the Commissioner in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General on complex legal issues.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Directs staff and operations of the agency’s legal division;
• Coordinates, plans and manages division activities;
• Formulates program goals and objectives;
• Develops or assists in development of related policies;
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
• Evaluates staff;
• Prepares or assists in preparation of division budget;
• Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact program activities;
• In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, directs research of legal issues or researches complex legal issues relating to the agency;
• Examines potential litigation and makes recommendations to agency Commissioner;
• Drafts legal memoranda, legal opinion letters or declaratory rulings;
• Participates in drafting and review of all proposed legislation, regulations and agency policies and guidance documents;
• Oversees drafting and administrative review of all agency contracts and agreements; may manage all FOIA requests for the agency;
• Conducts investigations as required;
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• May act as agency legislative liaison;
• May testify before legislative committee;
• Performs related duties are required.