Workers' Compensation Commission Attorney, Legal Research/Writer

State of Connecticut; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State employee benefits overview

Job summary

The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission is seeking a Staff Attorney 2 to provide advanced legal support in a quasi-judicial setting. You will draft appellate decisions, advise Administrative Law Judges, and review complex statutes and case law under the guidance of senior legal leadership.

This is a full‑time, hybrid position based in Hartford, CT with 2–3 days in-office during the test period and possible telework thereafter in line with state guidelines.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law.
• Admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.

Responsibilities

• Performs advanced and complex legal work for the agency.
• Researches, interprets and applies complex laws and regulations.

Skills

Legal principles

Legal research

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Introduction

The Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission (WCC), is currently accepting applications for a Workers' Compensation Commission Attorney, Legal Research/Writer (Staff Attorney 2), position in Hartford.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• This is a hybrid role with 2-3 days in-office required during the working test period. Increased telework flexibility may be available thereafter, in accordance with State guidelines
• First Shift
• Monday - Friday
• Full Time, 8 hours/day
• Location: Hartford, CT

THE ROLE

The Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Compensation Review Board (CRB) is seeking a highly skilled Staff Attorney 2 to provide advanced legal support within a dynamic, quasi judicial environment. In this critical role, the Staff Attorney will assist in the review and adjudication of appeals arising from decisions issued by Administrative Law Judges pursuant to C.G.S. Sec. 31 280b. The position involves drafting appellate decisions, advising Administrative Law Judges, analyzing complex and conflicting statutes and case law, and reviewing a wide variety of legal documents. Working under the direction of the Legislative and Administrative Advisor/Agency Legal Director and the Chairperson, the Staff Attorney plays an essential role in supporting the Commission’s mission to ensure that all parties receive the rights and benefits to which they are entitled under Connecticut law.

Career progression pathway within the State of Connecticut, starting with Staff Attorney 1, advancing to Staff Attorney 2 (current opening), and ending with Staff Attorney 3. A slogan on the left reads ‘Start with us, stay with us, grow with us. Your future as a staff attorney has limitless opportunities.

ABOUT US

The Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) administers the workers' compensation laws of the State of Connecticut with the ultimate goal of ensuring that workers injured on the job receive prompt payment of wage loss benefits and appropriate medical treatment. To this end, the Commission approves voluntary agreements, adjudicates disputes, issues findings and awards, hears and rules on appeals, and closes out pending cases through full and final stipulated agreements.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the legal work of the agency.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs advanced and complex legal work of an agency;
• Researches, interprets, analyzes and applies complex and conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles;
• Acts as hearing officer or represents agency in formal administrative and public proceedings on a full range of cases involving complex legal and technical issues;
• Negotiates and drafts settlement agreements;
• Drafts advisory opinions, rulings, decisions, recommendations, findings, legislation, statutes, regulations, publications and other related legal documents;
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of trials and appeals;
• Consults with the Office of the Attorney General on legal issues;
• Researches complex legal issues;
• Conducts investigations and enforcement proceedings;
• Prepares comprehensive reports for use in administrative and court proceedings;
• Prepares pleadings and other court papers;
• Interprets and applies complex or conflicting laws and regulations, case law and legal principles;
• Participates in the conduct of various educational activities;
• Provides legal guidance when duly authorized;
• Provides input into policy formation;
• Reviews court decisions, new and proposed laws and regulations to determine impact on agency operations;
• Prepares and maintains precedent manuals;
• Reviews legal and other related documents for legal sufficiency;
• May testify at or monitor legislative proceedings;
• May represent agency in court when authorized;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
  • legal principles, practices and procedures in Connecticut;
  • legal research techniques;
  • the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act;
  • and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation;
  • relevant agency policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of
  • the rules of evidence;
  • criminal and constitutional law and legislative process;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to
  • apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes;
  • comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience drafting appellate decisions, legal memoranda, or judicial opinions
• Experience researching and interpreting complex statutes, regulations, and case law, including Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Act, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and human rights and opportunities related legal frameworks
• Experience reviewing briefs, records, and case materials for accuracy and compliance in a quasi judicial or administrative hearing environment
• Experience providing legal analysis and guidance to senior legal decision makers
• Experience explaining legal concepts through analytical writing
• Experience managing competing deadlines, handling sensitive information, and working independently with minimal supervisi on

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.