What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Solicitor General - Criminal Appeals position at State of Utah?
Assistant Solicitor General - Criminal Appeals
The Criminal Appeals Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office has three immediate vacancies for appellate attorneys. Duties include representing the State of Utah in state appellate courts in felony appeals and consulting with prosecutors statewide.
The attorneys will carry a substantial appellate briefing load, respond to pre-briefing matters as assigned, and present oral argument. Proven excellent written and oral advocacy skills and the ability to meet pressing filing deadlines are a must. Strong preference will be given for appellate and criminal law experience.
Successful candidates must either practice law as an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing or be sworn into the Utah State Bar within the one-year probationary period. Third year law students may apply, but offers will be contingent on the successful candidate passing the Utah State Bar within one-year from the hire date. Some travel may be required as attorneys need to represent the State in criminal trials, civil litigation or other legal proceedings throughout the State. Security background checks are completed as a condition of employment.
- Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
- Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
- Writes or drafts appellate briefs, correspondence, documents and/or other written materials.
- Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
- Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints and/or other matters.
- Drafts working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
- Represents the State in the appellate courts.
- May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.
- 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
- civil and criminal justice laws
- understand and apply case and statutory law
- 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
- 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
- rules of evidence and civil and/or criminal procedure
- interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
- principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law
- 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
