State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Human Rights Attorney 1 (4770SH)

$39.68-$50.39 Hourly / $3,174.14-$4,031.19 BiWeekly /
$82,845.00-$105,214.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities this class is accountable for receiving training in legal research and work in the Office of Commission Counsel.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

Incumbents in this class receive training in and perform with increasing independence routine legal work with emphasis on legal research, review and analysis of legal documents and preparation of simple cases and issues for which there is a clear precedent. Incumbents may assist in or personally handle cases of moderate complexity and exercise independent judgment, although at this level most work is reviewed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Initially works under the close supervision of a Human Rights Attorney 2 or general supervision of an employee of higher grade; works more independently with acquired experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead professional, paralegal and clerical staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • As a legal practitioner receives generalized training in routine to moderately complex legal work; 
  • Prepares and represents Commission in contested case hearings and litigation before other administrative bodies and lower courts in matters jointly prescribed by Commission and Office of the Attorney General including but not limited to employment discrimination cases and any proceeding where a state agency or officer is an adversary party; 
  • Attends settlement, conciliation, mediation and pre-trial conferences; 
  • Assists and provides legal counsel and assistance to Commission constituent units; 
  • Analyzes and applies state and federal statutes, rules and regulations, constitutional provisions, administrative and court decisions and other legal authorities; 
  • Assists in preparing and representing Commission in more difficult cases; 
  • Interviews witnesses, complainants, corporate and governmental officials, takes or attends depositions and prepares evidence in form of statements, documents, records, exhibits, photographs and electronic recordings for presentation in administrative or court proceedings; 
  • Performs legal research and prepares legal memoranda on assigned cases; 
  • Prepares subpoenas, affidavits and interrogatories in connection with cases in litigation or under investigation; 
  • May act independently in these areas as assigned; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of basic legal principles and their application; 
  • Knowledge of
    • federal and state civil rights legislation; 
    • administrative and constitutional law and rules of evidence; 
    • pleadings and motion practice; 
    • economic and social impact of discrimination on protected classes; 
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Litigation and legal counseling skills or aptitude; 
  • Ability to analyze legal problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A degree from an accredited law school.

PROMOTION

The next higher class in this series is Human Rights Attorney 2. After completion of two (2) years of successful and satisfactory performance as a Human Rights Attorney 1, an incumbent will be moved to the Human Rights Attorney 2 classification (on the first pay period following the completion of the two (2) year requirement).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut within one (1) year of the date of appointment. Pursuant to Section 51-88 of the Connecticut General Statutes, an incumbent who has not been admitted to practice law may not "assume, use or advertise the title of lawyer, attorney and counsel at law, counselor at law, attorney, counselor, attorney and counselor, or an equivalent term, in such a manner as to convey the impression that he is a legal practitioner of law". Until such time that an incumbent is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut, the incumbent shall be referred to as a Legal Assistant.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Examined

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(18)-Legal

BARGAINING UNIT

(12)-SOCIAL SERV (P-2)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

SH 25

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class Human Rights Attorney 1 in Salary Group SH 25 approved effective August 8, 2024. (Reviewed in accordance with Connecticut General Statute § 5-200a. Revised to modify Supervision Received) Final No. 24-174

EFFECTIVE DATE

09/03/2024
CLASS: 4770SH; EST: 3/23/2007; REV: 9/16/2024;