Assistant Attorney General – Adjudicatory Counsel

Details

Section:

Civil Litigation and Employment Law

Position Number:

LAA-09898-03/24

Salary Range:

$83,292.00 - $120,000.00 Yearly

Apply By:

Friday, April 12, 2024, 11:59 am

FLSA:

Exempt

Work Unit:

Cross-Unit Litigation

Job Location:

1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Release Date:

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Position Type:

Non-Classified

The Department of Law/Office of the Attorney General, Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section is seeking Adjudicatory Counsel to advise state agencies, boards, and commissions in the final step of the administrative adjudication process. This individual will have the opportunity to carry a dynamic and varied case portfolio and work with top-level public decision-makers. While this position will be housed with the Cross Unit Litigation team, it is a non-litigation position, focused on providing legal advice and upholding due process requirements under state law, such as licensing and permitting regulations. However, litigation experience (civil, criminal, or administrative) or familiarity with court procedures will be essential. If you enjoy writing, working on fast-moving cases, learning new areas of law, working on a wide variety of cases, and figuring out how best to serve a wide variety of decision-makers, this role may be for you!

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO 
In this position, you will have the opportunity to represent agency decision-makers in administrative proceedings when they act in a quasi-judicial capacity. For instance, Adjudicatory Counsel advises the Insurance Commissioner in Colorado Public Option hearings. The large variety of other agencies may include the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Higher Education, Natural Resources, Personnel and Administration, Public Health and Environment, Regulatory Agencies, Revenue, and Transportation. You will also advise the Deputy Secretary of State in campaign finance matters under special statutory processes.

The Adjudicatory Counsel Program adheres to ethical safeguards when advising agencies conducting a contested evidentiary hearing, completing an administrative appeal known as the “Exceptions Process,” and administering proceedings through Final Agency Order or other action.  Adjudicatory Counsel must be familiar with the relevant ethical and substantive legal principles and ensure that the requirements of due process are satisfied. While the Administrative Procedure Act provides general guidance on due process, many agencies are subject to additional requirements through their organic acts, regulations, and written policies and guidance.  Adjudicatory Counsel should be familiar with these materials.

As a member of the Cross-Unit Litigation Team, the position will work alongside another Adjudicatory Counsel and will have the opportunity to work with other attorneys across the Department. The position will require the ability to communicate and work cooperatively with a large number of individuals. Strong analytical and writing skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are also imperative.

The Adjudicatory Counsel will also be responsible for the systematic intake of agency requests for, and procedures governing the need for Adjudicatory Counsel.  When necessary due to overflow or peak demands, the Adjudicatory Counsel will oversee the assignment of Adjudicatory Counsel matters to other attorneys in the Department and supervise their work. The Adjudicatory Counsel will also be available to handle other matters where there may be a “conflict” requiring separate representation distinct from another Section’s work. Duties may include other assignments as needed.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple highly similar attorney positions in the Department of Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section.

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. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to 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.

We need an adaptive attorney with adept counseling and strong writing skills, so our ideal candidates will have at least some, if not all, of the following skills and attributes:

• Outstanding analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to pivot and focus on different areas of law
• Demonstrated competency in technical or regulatory subject areas
• Ability to work effectively and productively with fast-paced, high-volume caseload, often with short deadlines
• Strong leadership skills and ability to advise, coach, and mentor others
• Diverse practice experience, preferably in the following areas: ethics, regulation, administrative law, licensing, financial law/securities, education, environmental, appellate, quasi-appellate (candidates who enjoyed judicial clerkships will be a great match for this role)
• Committed to and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and public service

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Please view the full job announcement for more information, including information about compensation and benefits, and to apply online.