Legal Counsel

Attorney – Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office
Location: Salt Lake City

Are you passionate about the legal and policy issues surrounding public lands in Utah? The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) within the Utah Department of Natural Resources is seeking a dedicated attorney to help coordinate, promote, and implement the state’s public land priorities. 

To support our commitment to rural Utah, preference will be given to applicants residing in rural Utah. We currently have legal counsel in Duchesne, Panguitch, Blanding and Salt Lake City office.

In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of law, policy, and natural resource management. Ideal candidates will have a strong background or interest in public lands and natural resource law, with knowledge of statutes such as R.S. 2477, FLPMA, NFMA, and NEPA.

Requirements:

• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar.

• Qualified for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

• Willingness to travel and engage with rural and urban stakeholders across Utah.

About PLPCO:
The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office is committed to ensuring Utahns can enjoy, access, and benefit from the state’s public lands. Our mission is to create lasting opportunities for access, economic prosperity, and responsible stewardship.

Join our team and help shape the future of Utah’s public lands. Click here for more details.

As Legal Counsel for the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, the ideal candidate will possess a strong working knowledge of public lands and natural resource law, with a preference for experience in R.S. 2477, FLPMA, NFMA, and NEPA. This role requires exceptional oral advocacy and writing skills, proven experience in reviewing and managing large volumes of documents, and proficiency in legal research and computer skills. The successful applicant must be comfortable and effective in a courtroom setting, demonstrate excellent case management abilities, and have the capacity to build rapport and collaborate cooperatively with both state and federal agencies. This position also involves engaging with elected officials, non-profit organizations, and various other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal analysis and support on public lands matters.

• Represent the state in legal proceedings and coordinate with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

• Review and manage large volumes of legal and policy documents.

• Travel as needed across the state to support agency initiatives.

• Exceptional Communication: Ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex legal information, both written and verbally, with strong public speaking and active listening skills.

• Legal Acumen: In-depth understanding of legal processes, including civil and criminal justice systems, case law, statutory law, legal codes, government regulations, and legislative history.

• Analytical Thinking: Skilled in evaluating information against legal standards, conducting thorough legal research, and drawing sound conclusions.

• Problem-Solving: Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities, including identifying key facts, assessing options, and delivering practical solutions.

• Professionalism & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and professionally with diverse individuals and groups, demonstrating respect, sensitivity, and tact in all interactions.

• Familiarity with Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and Open and Public Meetings Act (OPMA).

• All applicants must be members in good standing of the Utah Bar and qualified for admission to the U.S. District Court. 
• Read and understand information presented in writing. Read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Speak clearly, concisely, and effectively. Listen to and understand verbally communicated information and ideas. 
• Use logic and reasoning to analyze and identify underlying principles, rationales, and facts in drawing conclusions. 
• Perform effective legal research using case law, statutes, rules, and other relevant materials. 
• Research and understand laws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act). 
• Deal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism. 
• Provide consultation and expert advice. Interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation 
• Must have the ability to work independently, in a team, and willingness to learn on the job. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in public lands and natural resource law.

• Strong oral advocacy and writing skills.

• Excellent legal research and document management capabilities.

• Comfortable with litigation and courtroom procedures.

• Proven case management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across agencies.

• Travel within Utah and out-of-state required 
• Off highway vehicle operation required (training provided) 
  
• Membership in good standing in the Utah State Bar, or qualification to practice pending admission to the Utah Bar under Supreme Court Rule of Professional Practice 14-809, is required. 
• A Juris Doctorate is required. 
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. 
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.