Associate Attorney Civil Rights Jobs in Layton, UT

Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $61.08 - $89.24 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Desi Crane aghr@agutah.gov 385-271-5803
Application Deadline - 7/27/2026
Key Responsibilities
Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights
The Civil Rights Section of the Litigation Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office seeks an attorney to represent state employees, state agencies, school districts and universities in civil rights litigation.
The Civil Rights Section defends civil rights litigation against state entities and employees. These claims are primarily brought in federal court pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 alleging violations of rights under the United States Constitution but may include pendant state-law tort claims and state constitutional claims. The successful applicant should anticipate litigating Eighth Amendment claims alleging inadequate medical care against corrections officers; Fourth Amendment claims alleging excessive force and illegal search and seizure against Utah Highway Patrol Troopers; First Amendment free speech, and Fourteenth Amendment claims against other state agencies and their employees. Attorneys in the Civil Rights Section also defend Universities and school districts in lawsuits alleging Title VI, Title IX, and ADA violations.
This position requires excellent written and oral advocacy skills. This position also requires experience and ability to immediately assume primary responsibility for litigating case and litigating § 1983 claims in federal court is preferred. Membership in good standing in the Utah State Bar, or qualification for practice pending admission to the Utah Bar under Utah Supreme Court Rule of Professional Practice14-809, is required. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent their clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the state.
Responsibilities
• Prepare cases for trial by conducting legal research, gathering evidence, prepare all pretrial documents (motions in limine, jury instructions, etc.), making opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations, and make closing arguments.
• Provide consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate advice to client agencies.
• Determine discovery needs, conduct depositions, complete written discovery; participate in strategy sessions to prepare case for trial, determine evidence to use and how to present.
• Write/draft motions, court briefs, correspondence, reports, memoranda, etc.
• Represent the State and client agencies in lawsuits and administrative proceedings.
• May be required to travel to various locations and stay overnight.
Qualifications
(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)
• communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
• read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, policies and procedures
• speak clearly, concisely, and effectively; listen to, and understand information and ideas presented verbally knowledge of legal processes and procedures
• knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; including state and federal case law and knowledge of bankruptcy law
• understand and apply case law and statutory law use logic to identify and analyze underlying principles, reasons, and facts to draw correct conclusions
• perform legal research using appropriate techniques and systems
• make decisions or solve problems using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
• conduct settlement negotiations and arrive at suitable terms when appropriate and advisable
• relate to people in sensitive, tactful and professional manner
• provide consultation and expert advice in team settings
• knowledge of Rules of Evidence
• knowledge of principles of judicial and administrative law
• knowledge of electronic document preparation and electronic document management and work systems (including MS Office, Adobe, other)
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.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• 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).
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 TeamIn 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, click here. 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 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 StatementThe 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 (385) 271-5803.