Job Description

Assistant Attorney General (Public Officials)

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Overview

The Public Officials Unit is seeking an experienced attorney to join its collaborative legal team. The Unit offers the opportunity to practice in diverse, high-profile legal matters in a fast-paced environment where you can grow your litigation, appellate, and general counsel skills. In this role, you will represent statewide elected and appointed officials, as well as several state agencies/boards/commissions, in complex civil cases that frequently involve public policy matters of statewide or national importance. This position provides meaningful opportunities to take cases to trial, brief and argue appeals, and be a problem-solver. Given the complex nature of the work, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated civil litigation experience.

Responsibilities

The Public Officials Unit counsels and represents Colorados statewide elected officials (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer), as well as the Judicial Department and several of its sub-offices, Department of Local Affairs, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the State Auditor. This unit regularly handles challenging public policy litigation, including constitutional challenges to Colorado law, such as gun control legislation.

• Defending state and federal constitutional challenges seeking to invalidate and enjoin state laws and/or state officials actions.
• Handling highly expedited election law disputes.
• Prosecuting administrative actions to enforce campaign and political finance laws.
• Defending civil litigation and appeals before state and federal courts; prosecuting civil actions and appeals in state and federal courts.
• Representing judicial and probation officers when subpoenaed; representing judicial officers in C.R.C.P. 106 and C.A.R. 21 actions.
• Escheat and unclaimed property review and advice; assisting state officials and agencies with responses to various open records requests; providing general counsel to state boards and commissions, including advice on the Open Meetings Law.
• Responding to open records requests and subpoenas for records issued to the Department of Law and/or the Attorney General; drafting formal and informal Attorney General Opinions; handling contract and Procurement Code disputes for state agencies.

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position in the State Services section.

Salary and Experience

Salary note : The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range for an AAG I is $88,197-$117,964/year. Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). Effective July 1, 2025, the AAG II salary range is $102,099-$136,558/year. Salary will be paid biweekly.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Licensed to practice law in Colorado or clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment.
• Seven or more years of experience litigating civil cases in state and/or federal courts is strongly preferred. The department also welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Key strengths include strong client relations and team building, experience or interest in trying cases and briefing appeals on an expedited basis, and experience developing and implementing litigation and appellate strategy in complex cases. Clerkships or fellowships providing research, analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills are valuable.
• This position requires at least one writing sample.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar must submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.
• The Public Officials Unit functions on a hybrid work model; attorneys typically work in-office at least 3 days a week.
• Working outside of regular business hours may be necessary.
• Travel within and out-of-state may be necessary; a valid driver's license is required.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.

EEO, Inclusion, and Benefits

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and believes that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective. The Department of Law is committed to DEI and developing its attorneys. We offer flexible working arrangements where possible and a comprehensive benefits package, including: Public Service Loan Forgiveness, on-site fitness center access, flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, an employee discount program, employer-paid mental health and counseling services, and employer-paid annual attorney registration dues. We also provide access to professional development training and CLE.

Why Work For Us

We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members, which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We strive to create a culture where differences are valued, people feel respected, and opportunities are accessible regardless of background. We support an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team and programs that promote growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected.

We Have Strong Core Values

Principled public servants who maintain the highest ethical standards and rigorous legal analysis; always focusing on serving the people of Colorado; innovative by seeking best approaches and deliberative decisions; and better together by supporting and collaborating with colleagues.

We Are Committed to Developing Our Attorneys

We provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching, with ongoing performance goal setting aimed at helping our attorneys succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: you might be eligible as a state employee.
• Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
• Flexible work schedules and professional development opportunities
• Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
• Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI and other entities

Additional Information

This position is not part of the classified state personnel system and is not subject to appeal rights.

How To Apply

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the online application. Please provide: 1) a cover letter detailing your interest in the position; 2) a rsum that includes either your CO attorney registration number and admission date, or, if not licensed in CO, the state you are licensed in, your attorney registration number, and admission date; 3) a writing sample (preferably demonstrating your research and analysis skills); 4) three professional references; and 5) answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Use the Attachments feature to add documents. You may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

ADA and Accommodations

The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you require reasonable accommodations to apply or interview, please contact our ADAA Coordinator at hr@coag.gov.

Contact

For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities, please contact our Legal Talent Director at legaltalentdirector@coag.gov.

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Job Tags

Contract work, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Trial period, Flexible hours, 3 days per week,

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