Assistant Solicitor General - Civil Appeals

United Trading Group; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 127,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The Office of the Utah Attorney General seeks an Assistant Solicitor General - Civil Appeals in Salt Lake City to represent state government entities in civil appeals. The role involves drafting briefs, presenting oral arguments, and supervising appellate matters in Utah and possibly the Tenth Circuit.

Applicants must have a JD, active Utah State Bar membership, and strong analytical and writing skills. Prior appellate experience or clerkships are preferred; some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required and active Utah State Bar member.
• Strong analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Familiarity with appellate procedure and proper legal citation rules.
• Ability to maintain a collegial work environment; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Draft appellate briefs and other filings.
• Present oral argument in state and federal appellate courts.
• Conduct legal research related to appellate matters in the Office.
• Consult with clients and trial counsel; advise on appeals and potential appeals.
• Participate in mediations and settlement negotiations.
• Participate in mock arguments and strategy sessions 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Oral advocacy

Legal citation rules

Editorial and editing skills

Collegial work environment

Appellate experience

Clerkship experience

Travel readiness

Education

Juris Doctorate

Active Utah State Bar membership

Job description

Assistant Solicitor General - Civil Appeals

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $61.08 - $89.24 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Application Deadline – 10/8/2026*

Key Responsibilities

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 statutory, common, administrative law 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

(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)

• a Juris Doctorate is required
• maintain active membership in the Utah State Bar.
• 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

Supplemental Information

• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation
• Must be able to travel as required

About the Role

Location – 160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah.

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Office of the Utah Attorney General

If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General’s Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You’ll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah’s citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children’s justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.

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, please contact [phone].