Assistant Attorney General – Criminal Appeals

Details

Section:
Criminal Appeals
Position Number:
LAA-09309
Salary Range:
$89,964.00 - $136,468.00 Yearly
Apply By:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11:59 pm
FLSA:
Exempt
Work Unit:
Criminal Appeals
Job Location:
1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Release Date:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Employment Type:
Full-Time
Position Type:
Non-Classified

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Criminal Appeals Section is seeking an intellectually curious attorney who thrives on researching and analyzing the law. This position requires exceptional writing ability; a passion for advocacy; and strong oral communication skills. While each of our attorneys is individually responsible for writing their own briefs, this is a collaborative team that regularly works together to resolve novel questions of law; discuss legislative proposals; and serve the people of Colorado. If you are looking for a challenging role that will allow you to grow with a great team, this position is for you!

Application will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado’s prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant’s claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the Criminal Appeals Section at the Department of Law.

Salary note: The Department of Law uses an attorney 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). The salary range for an AAG I is $89,964-$119,047/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The salary range for an AAG II is $102,099 – $136,468/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Qualified 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.

Our ideal candidate for this position will have the following attributes or experience:

  • Exceptional writing, research, and analytical abilities
  • Strong oral communication skills
  • Eagerness to solve complex legal problems
  • An ability to manage an independent case load
  • Developed collaborative skills and commitment to working as part of a team

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney. This includes fellowship or clerkship experience. Candidates without one year of experience may be considered if their application demonstrates a strong background in research, writing, and oral advocacy.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE. PLEASE REVIEW THE “HOW TO APPLY” SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
  • Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • 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 website.
  • This position offers flexible work arrangements. Flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.

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