Entry Level Water Rights Attorney Jobs in Layton, UT

Assistant Attorney General - Child Protection - Salt Lake
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $58.44 - $87.04 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Etta Adkins AGHR@agutah.gov 385-271-5803
Application Deadline - 6/14/2026
Key Responsibilities
The Utah Office of the Attorney General, Child ProtectionDivision, has an opening for an attorney to represent the Division of Child andFamily Services (DCFS) in the Salt Lake office. This is an entry level positionthat entails handling a variety of general counsel duties, such asadministrative hearings, substantiation hearings in juvenile court, subpoenasin district court proceedings, and records access requests (GRAMA).
This position may require some travel and occasionalcoverage of other juvenile court matters. Membership in the Utah State Bar ingood standing is required. Applicants must possess excellent written and oraladvocacy skills.
Responsibilities

• Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
• Determines discovery needs, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used.
• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents and/or other written materials.
• Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
• Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints and/or other matters.
• Drafts working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
• Conducts conferences with opposing parties and/or attorneys, negotiates settlements, and prepares witnesses to testify in court.
• Represents agency at formal or informal hearings and/or trials.
• May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Qualifications
Juris Doctorate and a member in good standing of the Utah Bar required.

• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For the purpose of starting salary calculation, experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law.
• Annual salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below:

Bar Year Approximate Salary
2023-2025 $121,500
2020-2022 $127,700
2016-2019 $134,300
2006-2015 $140,900 - $147,900
1996-2005 $147,900 - $161,000
1995-Prior $161,000 - $175,000
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 Utah AttorneyGeneral's Office
If you are looking to make ameaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, theAttorney General's Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors,protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both theU.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resourcesthat make Utah special. You'll contribute to upholding justice, advising stateagencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah's citizens. Withresponsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcingpublic lands policy and supporting children's justice initiatives, your workhere will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving thepublic 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.