Assistant General Counsel, Board Of Labor Relations

Overview

Assistant General Counsel, Board of Labor Relations – State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL). This full-time, first-shift position is located in Wethersfield, CT. The role supports the Board of Labor Relations by providing legal advice and representation in matters pertaining to statutory collective bargaining rights under state laws.

Please note:

This position currently has an end date of 5/30/2027 with the probability of an extension.

• Location: Wethersfield, CT
• Shift: First (full time) | 40 hours
• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance for all employees.
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, potentially allowing forgiveness of qualifying student loans after 10 years of service. See program details for more information.

DOL is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. We assist workers and employers to be competitive in the global economy, taking a comprehensive approach to meeting their needs and ensuring the delivery of high-integrity services.

In the Department of Labor, Board of Labor Relations, this class is accountable for the preparation and presentation of legal advice and assistance for the State Board of Labor Relations and in matters pertaining to state employee collective bargaining rights, the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration, including representation of the Boards in courts.

• Acts as the Legal Officer for the State Board of Labor Relations; researches and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authority in preparation of opinions, briefs and other legal documents;
• Prepares pleadings and other court papers in connection with suits, trials, appeals and other legal procedures;
• Tries cases before all courts;
• Drafts administrative orders, regulations, rulings, directives, guidelines and agreements;
• Advises whether Board policies and guidelines conform to statutory purpose and authority;
• Advises upon evidential value of data brought forth in administrative hearings;
• Researches and prepares material for trial of lawsuits;
• Prepares and edits Board forms, educational materials and indices;
• Assists in drafting of proposed legislation;
• Provides assistance in implementing newly passed legislation;
• Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• May assist in preparation of agenda and conduct of executive sessions and deliberations of the Board;
• May testify before legislative committees;
• Performs duties for the Board of Mediation and Arbitration when collective bargaining rights of state employees are involved;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Connecticut Labor Relations Act, Municipal Employees Relations Act, State Employees Relations Act, School Board - Teacher Negotiation Act, Uniform Administrative Procedures Act and statutes concerning arbitration, mediation and fact finding;
  • Federal and state labor law decisions; legal research methods and procedures;
• Knowledge of:
  • Legal practices and procedures in Connecticut; rules of statutory construction;
• Considerable:
  • Litigation and legal counseling skills;
  • Interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to prepare legal documents and apply judicial decisions to statute interpretation;
  • Ability to prepare legal briefs and present oral argument;
• Ability to conduct legal research; ability to draft/review legislation; some supervisory ability.

Two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney dealing with labor relations and administrative law and procedure.

Preference will be given to those with the following experience:

• Writing legal opinions, briefs, memoranda of law and related documents.
• Interpreting state and federal collective bargaining statutes and labor law decisions.
• Practicing before the Connecticut Board of Labor Relations and/or the National Labor Relations Board.
• Briefing and arguing appeals from state agency decisions under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.

Incumbent must be a member of the Connecticut Bar.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.