Assistant Attorney General - Child Protection

Assistant Attorney General - Child Protection

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $61.08 - $89.24 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Desi Crane | dcrane@agutah.gov | (801) 597-4659
Application Deadline – 11/8/2026

Key Responsibilities

The Utah Office of the Attorney General, Child Protection Division, has an immediate opening for an attorney to represent the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) in the Fifth District Juvenile Court in abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings. This position is located in Saint George, Utah.

Applicants must be able to manage a high volume of very active cases, moving at a fast pace with much at stake in terms of impact to children and families. Incumbent is also responsible to approve warrants to search for and remove children from parents’ custody; screen cases with Child Protective Services and law enforcement; perform legal research; prepare summonses, petitions, subpoenas, discovery responses, motions, memoranda, orders, and other legal documents; and consult with DCFS representatives. They will represent DCFS at multi-disciplinary-team meetings, family-team meetings, and mediations in addition to other meetings, as necessary. The successful candidate will prosecute abuse, neglect and dependency matters at shelter, pre-trial, adjudication, disposition, review, permanency, and other hearings; and will prosecute petitions to terminate parental rights and appear at associated hearings. 

Preference will be given to applicants with prosecution or other trial experience. Applicants must possess excellent written and oral advocacy skills and have the experience and ability to immediately take over an existing caseload. Membership in the Utah State Bar in good standing is required.

This position will be open until November 8, 2026 and may close without notice. 

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.

• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions. 

• Determines discovery needs, and/or completes discovery; participates in decision making and strategy sessions in preparing cases for court and determining evidence to be used. 

• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents and/or other written materials. 

• Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.

• Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints and/or other matters. 

• Drafts working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards. 

• Conducts conferences with defendants and/or attorneys, negotiates settlements, and prepares witnesses to testify in court. 

• Represents agency at formal or informal hearings and/or trials. 

• May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate is required.

• Active membership in the Utah State Bar

• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.

• Must be able to travel as required. 

• Attorneys are hired at a salary consistent with their experience-level-peers in non-supervisory positions. For the purpose of starting salary calculation, experience level is based on initial Bar admittance year, less any years not practicing law.

• Annual salary ranges for each grade level are outlined below:

Bar Year Approximate Salary

2024-2026 $127,000 
2021-2023 $134,000 
2018-2020 $141,000 
2008-2017 $149,000 - $151,000 
1998-2007 $156,000 - $162,000 
1997-Prior $168,000- $185,000

About the Role

Location –
33 N 100 W STE 100
St George, Utah, 84770
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AG - Employees at the Attorney General's Office

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Office of the Utah Attorney General
If you are looking to make a meaningful impact while working in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment, the Attorney General’s Office offers a unique opportunity. As counselors, protectors, and stewards, the Office plays a vital role in defending both the U.S. and Utah constitutions, protecting residents, and preserving the resources that make Utah special. You’ll contribute to upholding justice, advising state agencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of Utah’s citizens. With responsibilities ranging from prosecuting corporate misconduct to enforcing public lands policy and supporting children’s justice initiatives, your work here will be both diverse and rewarding. Join a team dedicated to serving the public and advancing the cause of justice in Utah.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (385) 271-5803.