Staff Attorney 1
Recruitment # 250801-0087AR-001
Location Hartford, CT
Date Opened 8/4/2025 1:00:00 PM
Salary $86,068 - $110,931/year (new state employees start at minimum of the pay plan)
Job Type Open to the Public
Close Date 8/18/2025 11:59:00 PM
Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)
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Introduction
The State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Secretary of the State (SOTS) (https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS) is currently seeking a motivated and service-oriented Staff Attorney 1 (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=0087AR&R1=&R3=) to join the Business Services Division (BSD). Join our team and embark on a rewarding career that offers growth, superlative benefits, and a culture that encourages work/life balance.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Join a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024.
Comprehensive health and dental insurance (https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/smART/General-Employee-Benefits) , providing you with peace of mind and access to quality healthcare.
Robust pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings to secure your financial future.
Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and 13 holidays per calendar year.
We are an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, which means you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.
A culture that recognizes the importance of work/life balance (https://www.jobapscloud.com/ct/sup/EVPSlideDeckFall2021.pdf) and offers alternate work schedules and telecommuting options.
Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and development with training programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement within the State of Connecticut.
Connecticut is a strong community with a lot to offer in entertainment, food and shopping, recreation in our beautiful state parks and forests, diverse culture, and rich history. Learn more about all Connecticut has to offer. (https://www.ctvisit.com/)
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Monday through Friday
Location: Hartford, CT
THIS JOB IS FOR YOU IF
You have a strong interest in business organizations, secured transactions, and public records disclosure.
You're self-directed, organized, and adaptable to changing priorities.
You excel both independently and as part of a team.
You handle difficult situations with professionalism and engage with people respectfully and compassionately.
You have a passion for promoting participation in the democratic process by providing a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut.
You want to do work that matters and want to build a better Connecticut with the Office of the Secretary of the State.
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
Manage Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, which includes gathering potentially-responsive records and reviewing them for disclosure exemptions;
Represent the Office before the Freedom of Information Commission, or assist the Office of the Attorney General in this representation;
Issue demands for the collection of penalties levied on foreign businesses for late filings;
Negotiate with foreign companies to secure payment of assessed penalties, including penalty reductions when appropriate;
Respond promptly to all correspondence regarding foreign investigation penalties, assess negotiation materials, and close cases efficiently;
Provide legal counsel to management and staff on related issues.
ABOUT US
Through the dedication of knowledgeable staff and advanced technology, the Office of the Secretary of the State works as a team to provide a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. We are a repository of records for the State and provide important information and resources regarding business and commercial filings, elections, and authentication as prescribed by the constitution, and federal and state laws. We seek to bolster business development opportunities, and foster a more inclusive political process by educating, informing and engaging communities in youth and civic preparation.
The Business Services division files and maintains legally required records showing the formation of and fundamental changes to corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships and other business entities. Business Services disseminates that information to the public and the business, banking and legal communities.
Selection Plan
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library (https://portal.ct.gov/das/home/services-for-state-employees/statewide-human-resources/applicant-reference-library?language=en_US) for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing Emily.Kennedy@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, but your application may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
CONNECT WITH US
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Emily Kennedy at Emily.Kennedy@ct.gov.
Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn to stay updated on our career opportunities and news.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for receiving on the job training in all aspects of agency legal work.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Receives generalized training in all aspects of agency legal work;
Acts as hearing officer or represents agency in formal administrative and public proceedings involving legal and technical issues;
Analyzes complex and technical evidence;
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 routine legal issues and assists in researching 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 statutes, regulations and rulings;
Participates in the conduct of various educational activities;
Reviews court decisions, new and proposed laws and regulations to determine impact on agency operations;
Assists in the preparation and maintenance of precedent manuals;
Reviews legal and other related documents for legal sufficiency;
May provide legal counsel and advice when duly authorized;
May testify at or monitor legislative proceedings;
Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of
legal principles, practices and procedures in Connecticut;
legal research techniques;
the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act and civil procedures;
and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation;
relevant agency policies and procedures;
the rules of evidence;
criminal and constitutional law and legislative process;
Considerable
interpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;
Ability to
apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statues;
comprehend, analyze and organize technical data and coordinate elements of legal cases.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
A degree from an accredited law school.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Academic or professional experience with the Freedom of Information Act or business organization law.
Academic or professional experience with litigation discovery, such as document review and disclosure or reviewing public records for disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut within one (1) year of the date of appointment. Pursuant to Section 51-88 of the Connecticut General Statutes, an incumbent who has not been admitted to practice law may not "assume, use or advertise the title of lawyer, attorney and counsel at law, counselor at law, attorney, counselor, attorney and counselor, or an equivalent term, in such a manner as to convey the impression that he is a legal practitioner of law". Until such time that an incumbent is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut, the incumbent shall be referred to as a Legal Assistant.
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 does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status. Women, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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.
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