Job Description
Salary: $55.62 - $86.43 Hourly
Location : Salt Lake County, UT
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 43886
Agency: 080 Attorney General
Unit: 8102 Criminal Appeals
Opening Date: 03/04/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Recruiter: Ally Aldrich - alaldrich@agutah.gov
# of Openings: 1
Location: 160 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Schedule Code: AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office.
Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Schedule Code Description: This is a full time career service eligible position upon successful completion of a 12-month probationary period.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link:
EEO Statement: The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.
Job Description Assistant Solicitor General - Criminal Appeals - Post Conviction The Utah Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division is hiring an Assistant Solicitor General to work in its post-conviction section. This is a unique practice that spans both criminal and civil trial courts, as well as appeals. Ideal candidates will possess intellectual rigor and be capable of working independently on matters requiring long-term strategy.
This position handles a mix of cases at all levels of state and federal courts with significant responsibility and autonomy. This includes trial level matters in state post-conviction and federal habeas corpus proceedings, as well as appeals in those matters up through both the Utah and United States Supreme Courts; consulting with prosecutors statewide on death penalty and other felony prosecutions; and assisting prosecutors in evidentiary hearings challenging the effective assistance of trial counsel. This position includes defending valid death sentences, and incumbents must be willing to work on these high profile, high stakes matters. Excellent written and oral advocacy skills are necessary.
This position requires a broad skill set that includes criminal trials, civil litigation, appeals, and post-conviction litigation. The Division recognizes that few candidates will have deep experience in all of these areas, but significant experience in one or more is preferred, along with a desire to do the highest quality work. The Division encourages litigators with an interest in public service and a desire to develop expertise across these disciplines to apply.
Incumbents 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 probationary period. Third year law students may apply, but offers will be contingent of the successful candidate passing the Utah State Bar within one year from the hire date. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent the State in criminal trials, civil litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the State.
Responsibilities - 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.
Qualifications (includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)
- 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
Supplemental Information - 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 YearBase RateAnnual (Rounded)2022-2024$55.62$115,6902019-2021$58.62$121,9302012-2018$61.71$128,3572007-2011$64.89$134,9712002-2006$67.98$141,3981997-2001$71.07$147,8261992-1996$74.16$154,2531987-1991$77.25$160,6801982-1986$80.34$167,1071977-1981$83.43$173,5341976-Prior$86.43$179,774
Benefits: The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click
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01
ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED. As part of this application process, you must upload your resume and a writing sample into your application profile. Your answers to the questions on this application must be supported by your resume or work history. "See resume" or "see previous response" is not an acceptable response to any question.Failure to follow these terms may result in disqualification from further consideration for this position.
- I acknowledge I have read the above statement.
02
Are you a member in good standing with the Utah State Bar (or qualified under Utah Court Rule 14-809)?
03
What year did you pass the Bar? (Please list the state as well if initial bar admittance was not in Utah).
04
What is your level of experience in appellate and criminal law?
- None
- Limited experience
- Moderate experience
- Extensive experience
05
Please provide details of your experience in appellate and criminal law.
Required Question
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Felony friendly, Night shift,