Job Description
How to Apply
Do not apply online. Please apply by sending your statement of interest, resume, a brief writing sample, and references to Commissioner Jennifer Morrison at Jennifer Morrison at jennifer.morrison@vermont.gov. Please ensure that all resumes include all Bar admission information as well as date admitted. Please indicate ?Assistant General Counsel" in the subject line of your email. Application deadline: September 1, 2025.
Overview
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill an Assistant General Counsel position.
Description
The General Counsel Office is fast-paced and provides legal advice and guidance to the Commissioner of Public Safety as well as all divisions of the Department, including the Divisions of Fire Safety, Vermont Forensic Lab, Vermont Crime Information Center, Emergency Management, Radio Technology Services, Animal Welfare, Finance and the Vermont State Police.
The Assistant General Counsel will conduct legal research, draft memoranda, and provide legal advice and opinions in a wide variety of areas including legislation, criminal law and procedure, personnel matters, public records, open meeting law, contracts, rulemaking, and Department policies and procedures. The successful candidate will also work on projects, assist with legislative affairs and policy development, and represent the Department in administrative and judicial proceedings.
Compensation
This Assistant General Counsel position is an exempt full-time position. Salary and benefits will be based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan. The State of Vermont offers a benefit package rivaling any employer in Vermont, which includes a top-notch health care plan, generous sick and annual leave, and employer contribution to pension plans.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar, or eligible to be admitted AND have at least two (2) years of relevant legal or judicial clerkship experience.
Preferred qualifications include strong research and writing skills; project management experience; the ability to work collaboratively, as well as independently; flexibility in dealing with unexpected legal issues; the ability to work with a wide range of individuals and groups internally and externally; and excellent judgment and problem-solving skills.
Applicants who possess a working knowledge of state and federal law in the areas of employment, contracts, criminal law, civil rights law, tort claims, open meetings law, and public records law are urged to apply.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State?s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
Practice Areas & Specialty
Criminal, Litigation
Key skill Required
- Project Management
- Animal Welfare
- Criminal Law
- Development
- Emergency Management
- Federal Law
- Finance
- Forensic
- Guidance
- History
- Legal Research
- Legislation
- Management
- Medical History
- Orientation
- Partnership
- Policies and Procedures
- Policy Development
- Provide Legal Advice
- Research
- Technology Services
- Writing
Designation
- Counsel
