Attorney I-DWS

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 54,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Hybrid telework options

Job summary

The Department of Workforce Services in Salt Lake City, Utah is seeking an Attorney I-DWS to join its in-house counsel team. The role is based in Salt Lake City with hybrid telework opportunities, and requires membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar.

The attorney will advise executive leadership, review contracts and grants, and represent the agency in civil matters and administrative proceedings.

Qualifications

• Expert legal writing and research skills for government counsel.
• Experience advising senior leadership and governmental entities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in complex matters.
• Willingness to navigate agency computer systems and rules.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and legal advice to executive leadership and agency divisions.
• Research, analyze, and draft concise recommendations based on facts and law.
• Draft correspondence, reports, and administrative documents.
• Review contracts, grants, and data sharing agreements for compliance.
• Prepare cases, represent the agency in hearings, and argue matters in court.
• Travel may be required for court appearances or trainings.

Skills

Legal writing

Executive counsel

Clear communication

Legal research

Utah Bar member

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Attorney I-DWS

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

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

Salary – $$39.41 - $$59.22 Hourly Wage

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

Application Deadline – 11/30/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Office of General Counsel of the Department of Workforce Services seeks an experienced attorney to join a small team of in-house counsel. This position is based in Salt Lake City; however, hybrid schedule telework opportunities may be available, provided client needs are met.

The Office of General Counsel represents and advises agency executive leadership, agency divisions, and several public bodies supported by the agency, in all matters. This may include providing legal opinions and counsel to ensure compliance with federal and state law; reviewing contracts, grants, and other legal documents; drafting administrative rules and agency policy; representing the agency in administrative proceedings and in public meetings; and representing the agency in civil matters, including debt collection. Department divisions include Eligibility Services, Office of Child Care, Office of Homeless Services, Refugee Services, State Office of Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Workforce Development, and Workforce Research and Analysis.

The successful applicant will have sophisticated and advanced legal writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively. Preference will be given to applicants with experience advising executive leadership and representing governmental entities. The ability to learn novel computer applications is essential as navigating agency specific computer applications is required.

Membership in good standing in the Utah State Bar is required. Infrequent travel may be required as in-house counsel may need to engage in legal proceedings, meetings, and training opportunities throughout the State.

As part of this application process, you will be asked to submit a 5- to 10-page legal writing sample. Applicants who do not provide a writing sample will not be considered.

Example of Duties

• Provide consultation, make recommendations, and give appropriate legal advice to executive leadership, agency divisions, and related public bodies.
• Receive, research, and respond to legal questions. Conduct legal research and analysis, gather evidence and prepare concise recommendations based upon facts, interpretations of law, and compliance with state and federal standards.
• Write or draft correspondence, reports, documents, administrative orders, or other written materials.
• Review contracts, grants, and data sharing agreements for compliance.
• Prepare cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence. Facilitate resolution of civil and administrative actions. Represent the agency at formal or informal hearings. Present written and oral argument on matters before any type of court, judge, or adjudicator.
• Take administrative and civil legal action against violators of statutes and rules, including enforcement of civil judgments. Conduct conferences with parties, including self-represented parties, negotiate settlements, and attend court appearances.
• May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Qualifications

The model applicant for this position is someone who possesses the following:

• Experience providing general legal counsel to a governmental entity or to senior level management.
• Firm understanding of the Utah Administrative Procedures Act, and the procedural and evidentiary rules for both administrative proceedings and civil litigation in Utah.
• Working knowledge of the Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act and rulemaking procedures.
• Working knowledge of the Open and Public Meetings Act and the Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
• Beyond proficient legal analysis skills, including the interpretation and application of case law, statutes, rules, and regulations.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely, while maintaining legal accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to meet the highest ethical standards and standards of professionalism.
• A Juris Doctorate and active membership in the Utah State Bar are required.

*Please note a 5 to 10 page writing sample must be submitted as a part of your application. You will receive an email after your submission to request the wring sample

About the Role

Location – 140 E 300 S
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
United States

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

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

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

Other benefits may include:

• 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 Agency

The mission of Workforce Services is to strengthen Utah's communities by supporting the economic stability and quality of our workforce. Today, more than 2,200 Workforce Services employees assist individuals in preparing for and finding jobs, meeting workforce needs of Utah businesses, administering temporary assistance, and providing economic data and analysis. Through a collaborative approach, the department has served millions of Utahns and has become a leader on several statewide initiatives. These include intergenerational poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, supporting refugees, helping rural communities, serving veterans and individuals with disabilities, and getting Utahns trained and back to work. To learn more about Workforce Services,

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].