Title:  Staff Attorney IV - Vermont Criminal Justice Council

How to Apply

Do not apply online. To apply, send your statement of interest, resume, a brief writing sample, and references to the Executive Director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Council at Christopher.Brickell@vermont.gov. Application materials must be received by January 11, 2025.

Overview

The Staff Attorney will report directly to the VCJC Executive Director and provides a full range of legal guidance and expertise related to the function and operation of the Vermont Criminal Justice Council and the Vermont Police Academy. 

Description

Responsibilities of this role will include providing a wide range of legal services to the VCJC, including general counsel advice related to rulemaking, the Open Meeting Law, the Public Records Act, record retention practices, personnel matters, legal staffing of each VCJC meeting and various subcommittee meetings.

 

In addition, the incumbent will be involved in the review of decisions to suspend and/or seek expulsion of Police Academy recruits for conduct violations and defending any such decisions if appealed to the VCJC, drafting of contracts and grants, consultation regarding Police Academy training curriculum and training delivery methods (including addressing areas of cultural awareness, implicit bias, de-escalation, and appropriate response to the vulnerable  in communities, assistance in drafting Legislative reports, appearance in Legislative committees, review of Police Academy facility use agreements and forms, and drafting of VCJC model policies (such as those related to fair and impartial policing, body camera use, acquisition of military equipment, and acquisition and use of facial recognition technology).

 

The position will also provide legal advice to the Executive Director, VCJC investigatory staff and the VCJC Professional Regulation Subcommittee regarding all law enforcement officer unprofessional conduct (Category A, B and C) complaints and investigations, including investigations to be completed by Vermont law enforcement agencies and investigations to be completed by the VCJC itself. For any unprofessional conduct investigation resulting in charges filed with the VCJC, this position will also administratively prosecute the contested case certification proceeding, including engaging in discovery, filing pre-hearing motions, preparing witnesses for hearing, conducting direct and cross examination of witness, seeking admission of documentary evidence, presenting legal argument, and drafting proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Compensation

This position is an exempt full-time position. Salary will be based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan. 

Minimum Requirements

Must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar, or eligible to waive in.

At least two (2) years of experience as an attorney is required, and a familiarity with litigation, statutory interpretation and policy analysis, or motor vehicle law will be favorably considered.

Experience practicing criminal law is also helpful and will be favorably considered.

Candidates should have strong writing skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with the legal team, clients, and other stakeholders.

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.