Staff Attorney II - Exempt

Overview

Do not apply online to this posting; your application will not be considered. To apply, send to [email protected]:

• A resume


• Brief cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the job and your earliest available start date


• Unedited writing sample of approximately 5-10 pages

The Vermont State Ethics Commission is seeking a full-time (Limited Service) Staff Attorney to support the day-to-day operations of the Commission. The primary responsibilities of the Staff Attorney will be to provide ethics advice to state and municipal officials; handle ethics complaints filed with the Commission; provide recommendations to investigating entities on compliance with the state code of ethics; support ethics training and policy development; and help ensure fair, consistent, and practical administration of Vermont’s ethics laws.
This role will primarily, but not exclusively, focus on municipal ethics, and the ideal candidate will have prior government ethics or municipal experience, or both.  This role requires regular interaction with both the public and government officials, and candidates should be comfortable with regular, direct public engagement.  Some travel for trainings and meetings may be required.

Skills: Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills; ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with neutrality and discretion; strong research and writing skills; adept at public engagement; ability to explain legal concepts in plain language; strong knowledge of administrative law, municipal law, ethics law, or government investigations; detail oriented.

Duties: The following duties will be typical for this position. Other duties may be required or assigned:

• Draft ethics advisory opinions, memoranda, guidance documents, policy materials, and correspondence


• Serve as a point of contact for individuals seeking to file ethics complaints with the Commission, review complaints and make referral determinations; provide written recommendations on the application of the state code of ethics to complaints


• Track complaint activity and deadlines


• Develop and provide ethics trainings for state and municipal officials


• Represent the Commission before legislative committees


• Prepare reports, summaries, and recommendations for Commission leadership.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or commissioners.

Our goal is to fill this position by the beginning of October 2026.

Who May Apply

This position, Staff Attorney II - Exempt (Job Requisition #55548), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contact [email protected].
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

Should your application move forward in the hiring process, please be prepared to submit: contact information for three professional references.

Compensation

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to Vermont Bar, with a minimum of two years of experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in public law, municipal law, administrative law, or related practice.


• Experience analyzing facts and interpreting and applying laws, constitutional provisions, statutes, and/or administrative regulations


• Experience drafting legal guidance, conducting investigations, and/or advising
  government officials.


• Excellent legal writing, research, and oral communication skills.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials, and members of the public.


• Computer literacy, including knowledge of Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.


• Public speaking experience.


• Experience working with public agencies, commissions, or ethics/compliance
  matters preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer