Job Description

Division Director - Litigation

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $68.18 - $89.70 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Desi Crane | aghr@agutah.gov | 801-597-4659
Application Deadline – 8/19/2026*

*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 the Utah Attorney General has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney to serve as Director of the Litigation Division. The Division provides legal counsel to state agencies, officers, and employees in prelitigation matters to identify and manage risk exposure, represents clients in pre‑suit administrative hearings, and acts as litigation counsel in matters pending in state and federal court. The division represents clients in a range of legal matters, with an emphasis on defense of civil rights, employment, and torts claims as well as petitions for judicial review of responses to public records requests.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience as lead counsel in complex litigation in state and federal court and with demonstrated management experience.

The Director’s responsibilities include:

• Serving as lead litigation counsel on matters of high importance, sensitivity, or significant risk exposure.
• Assigning cases to division attorneys and overseeing case handling to ensure effective representation.
• Mentoring attorneys and support staff and providing training and support for professional development.
• Coordinating with claims managers and adjusters at the Division of State Risk Management and the Utah Transit Authority on assigned claims.
• Implementing office directives at the division level.

Essential qualifications include prior experience leading litigation teams handling civil rights, employment, and/or tort matters, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with client leadership and general counsel. Experience managing complex e‑discovery projects and hands‑on work with one or more e‑discovery platforms is strongly preferred. Leadership experience — particularly in a legal setting — is desirable, as is experience representing government entities in administrative or judicial appeals involving public records requests.

Responsibilities:

• Complex civil litigation and client management.
• Mentor and train attorneys, clerks, paralegals, and staff.
• Evaluate and supervise team members.
• Represent and advise various client agencies.
• Assist and collaborate with the Office leadership and other Division Directors.
• Develop and enforce division policies and procedures.
• Handle high-profile and complex cases.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Negotiate resolution of complex, multi-party litigation.
• Communicate, write, and listen well.
• Draft legal briefs, contracts, and memoranda.
• Advise clients and colleagues on complex issues of law and regulation.
• Present on topics at conferences and panels.
• Learn new skills and practice areas as needed.
• Potential travel to various offices, events and courts in and outside of Utah.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required. Candidate must be licensed to practice law in Utah or able to obtain licensure promptly.
• Finds representing and litigating the public’s interest rewarding.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Significant experience with complex civil litigation and client management.
• Experience managing and training attorneys and staff.
• Knowledge of laws governing access to public records (e.g., GRAMA and FOIA).
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks while supporting other attorneys and staff.
• Superb writing skills.
• Firm understanding of state and federal civil procedural and evidentiary rules.
• Commitment to the highest standards of work-product, professionalism, and ethics.
• Proficiency with modern legal technology.
• Knowledge of government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history.
• Ability to interact with others with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Preference will be given to candidates with:
• At least ten years of legal practice, and
• Five years of experience in a lead litigation counsel role.

Supplemental Information:

• This position is based in Salt Lake City and is not suitable for a candidate seeking remote work.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to travel in and out of state approximately eight to ten times a year.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway per Utah Code section 53-3-202(1)(a).
• Active membership in the Utah State Bar is required.
• Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For starting salary calculation, experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law.
• Base salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below, and do not include $________ annual management increase for Division Directors or any applicable grade or loyalty increases for existing employees:

Grade Level

Bar Year

Approximate Salary

I

n/a

II

n/a

III

2018-2019

$68.18 hourly

IV

2017-Prior

$72.11 - $89.70
(Depending on Experience)

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 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, 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 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 (385) 271-5803.