Associate General Council

Overview

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the role of Associate General Counsel, a specifically created and desired position within the VCJC. This is critical work assisting a team of dedicated professionals in the advancement of law enforcement training and oversight of professional regulation around certification. This is an opportunity to be an integral part of the progress of the transformation of law enforcement training through collaboration with the Executive Director and staff. Our ideal candidate will have a desire to work with leaders utilizing a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all matters related to Council goals and mission. The incumbent will report directly to the VCJC Executive Director and Deputy Director, and provide full 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 associate 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 the 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. Additionally, this position will provide legal advice to the Executive Director, Deputy 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 witnesses, seeking admission of documentary evidence, presenting legal argument, and drafting proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

General Counsel will provide assistance in drafting Legislative reports, appearance in Legislative committees, review of Police Academy facility use agreements and forms, and drafting of VCJC model policies.

Minimum Requirements

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