Assistant Solicitor General - Civil Appeals

The Civil Appeals Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office has an opening for an attorney to represent state government entities and officials in civil appeals. The attorney will carry a substantial appellate case load, draft briefs, present oral argument, supervise other appellate matters, review and edit briefs and pleadings, and provide legal advice about relevant aspects of Utah and federal law and procedure.

At a minimum, the position requires excellent analytical, writing and oral advocacy skills, familiarity with rules of appellate procedure, proficiency with proper legal citation rules, and the ability to provide and accept constructive edits of work product. The attorney must also be able to maintain a collegial work environment. Strong preference will be given for applicants with appellate experience and/or prior appellate judicial clerkships.

The attorney must be an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing or be eligible to become an active member of the Utah State Bar within a reasonable time of starting the position. Occasional travel may be required as the attorney may represent the State before the Tenth Circuit in Denver, Colorado and in appellate and other civil legal proceedings that may, from time to time, occur outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.

• draft appellate briefs and other filings
• present oral argument in state and federal appellate courts
• conduct legal research related to the attorney’s cases and other appellate matters in the Office
• consult with clients and trial counsel, make recommendations, give appropriate advice, respond to questions, and/or facilitate decisions related to appeals and potential appeals
• participate in mediations and settlement negotiations
• participate in mock arguments and strategy sessions to prepare cases for oral argument
• edit, revise, and cite check briefs written by other attorneys
• may be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight

(the successful applicant must be able to do the following upon entry into position or be able to be trained to do the following within a reasonable time after entry into position)

• communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
• research, interpret and apply caselaw, statutes, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
• speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally
• know applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures
• evaluate 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, propose solutions, and make decisions
• understand laws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act)
• interact with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
• know rules of evidence and civil and appellate procedure
• interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
• understand principles, theories, and practices of administrative law
• supervise, lead or functionally supervise others by assigning/directing work; training, mentoring & development

• A Juris Doctorate is required
• 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
• Where statute mandates, active membership in the Utah State Bar.
• 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)
• 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