Assistant Attorney General (Federal Initiatives – Litigation)

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

The Colorado Department of Law is seeking experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Attorneys General in the Office of the Attorney General’s Federal Initiatives Unit. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in high-impact litigation that shapes and safeguards the State’s interests in the face of significant federal actions. Attorneys in this role will represent the State of Colorado in complex trial and appellate matters—defending its programs, residents, and the rule of law. Candidates with substantial federal litigation experience, including those who have led major cases or handled multifaceted legal challenges, may be considered for appointment as Senior Assistant Attorneys General.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Assistant Attorneys General in the Federal Initiatives Unit will represent the Attorney General and State of Colorado at large in significant litigation matters for the Department of Law as identified by the Attorney General or his designated executive staff. This position will serve as litigation counsel for complex trial and appellate matters, focused on cases protecting the State of Colorado-specifically its programs and funding streams-and its residents, and defending the rule of law.

The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative team that supports the Attorney General and executive agencies regarding issues with the federal government, including federal funding of state programs.  This role will report to the Deputy Solicitor General for Federal Initiatives.

Specific Responsibilities include:

Advice Responsibilities: Provide counsel to the Attorney General and client agencies regarding federal executive orders, federal agency and administrative actions, and federal legislation affecting Colorado government, residents, and the rule of law.

Litigation and Trial Responsibilities:  Serve as litigation counsel in key litigation and trial matters protecting the interest of the State of Colorado, including coordination with other state attorney general staff on multistate matters, and overseeing and helping develop strategy for federal litigation and trials, trial moots, and after-action review for major cases. Duties may include but are not limited to: analyzing complex factual and legal issues; monitoring federal legal and regulatory changes; collaborating with agency counsel and advising agencies; and preparing matters for litigation, including preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, appearing in court, and collaborating with other states in multi-state litigation.

Administrative and Appellate Responsibilities: Coordinate comment letters, intervention and amicus briefs concerning federal initiatives; review recommendations on amicus briefs in other jurisdictions or join multi-state attorney general letters.

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position in the Office of the Attorney General Unit.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
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.

Candidates for this position must meet the following:

• A minimum of 6 years of legal experience, including substantial federal litigation (civil or administrative cases). Experience with administrative and regulatory law.

In addition, the strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following attributes:

• Prior public sector or government agency representation experience.  

• Experience representing or litigating for or against the federal government or federal agencies,

• Experience with investigations, federal grants or civil rights.

• Experience handling or leading complex multi-party litigation or coalition work.

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