Assistant Attorney General - Tax

The Utah Attorney General’s Office has an immediate opening for a Grade IV attorney to represent the Utah State Tax Commission. This position may be underfilled with a Grade I-III attorney.

The successful candidate will provide legal representation in a variety of state tax law matters in administrative proceedings and in state and federal courts, offer legal counsel, and perform other duties as assigned. Applicants must possess excellent written, oral advocacy, and interpersonal skills. Although there will be training and mentorship opportunities, applicants must also have the experience and ability to immediately assist clients. A background in state taxation, finance, accounting, economics, appraisal/valuation, or bankruptcy is helpful but not required. 

A background check and membership or the ability to become licensed immediately with the Utah State Bar is required. Applicants must be in good standing with any state bar in which they are licensed. 

• Prepare cases by conducting legal research, crafting arguments, and gathering and presenting evidence.
• Provide consultation, make recommendations, and facilitate decisions.
• Determine needs in and complete discovery.
• Research, and write, draft, or edit correspondence, reports, briefs, motions, documents, and other written materials.
• Receive, research, and respond to incoming questions or complaints; provide information, explain policy and procedures, and facilitate a resolution.
• Represent the state or the employing agency at formal and informal administrative hearings and in state and federal court, and in lawsuits, grievances, and complaints.
• Take and defend depositions of fact, expert, and technical witnesses.
• Conduct conferences with defendants and/or attorneys and negotiate settlements.
• May be required to perform the above duties individually or in a team environment, and occasionally under tight deadlines.
• May be required to travel to various locations and stay overnight.

The position requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon entry into the position, with additional training after entry:

• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, and understand information and ideas presented both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read, interpret, understand, and apply case law, statutes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity with legal processes and procedures.
• Familiarity with applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with civil laws, tax laws, laws governing access to records (Government Records Access and Management Act), rules of evidence, rules of civil procedure (including discovery rules), and other court rules.
• Ability to evaluate information against a set of standards. 
• Ability to use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Familiarity with laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and legislative history.
• Ability to perform legal research; and identify current and emerging trends in case and statutory interpretation. 
• Ability to make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions.
• Ability to work as part of a team and deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Ability to provide consultation and/or expert advice or testimony.
• Familiarity with principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize time and workload to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and use technology including Microsoft Office, Westlaw/Westlaw Next, Adobe Pro, and file sharing and management programs. 
• Ability to comply with all applicable codes of ethics and confidentiality laws. 

• A Juris Doctorate and active membership in the Utah State Bar are required.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel as required.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).
• 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.
• Salary is calculated based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law, as outlined below. 

  Bar Year	Base Rate	Annual (Rounded)
  2022-2024	$55.62	$115,690
  2019-2021	$58.62	$121,930
  2012-2018	$61.71	$128,357
  2007-2011	$64.89	$134,971
  2002-2006	$67.98	$141,398
  1997-2001	$71.07	$147,826
  1992-1996	$74.16	$154,253
  1987-1991	$77.25	$160,680
  1982-1986	$80.34	$167,107
  1977-1981	$83.43	$173,534
  1976-Prior	$86.43	$179,774

Salary : $56 - $86