Assistant Attorney General (Federal Initiatives – Grant and Contract)

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

The Colorado Department of Law is seeking a skilled and motivated Assistant Attorney General to join its Federal Initiatives Unit—a dynamic legal team that plays a vital role in managing and protecting the State’s interests in federal grant and contract matters. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic legal guidance on the stewardship of billions in federal funding, working at the intersection of law, policy, and public service. Attorneys with deep experience in complex federal contracts may be considered for a Senior Assistant Attorney General role, offering further leadership opportunities within this impactful area of legal practice.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

This Assistant Attorney General in the Federal Initiatives Unit will represent the Attorney General and the State of Colorado at large in federal grant and contract matters. This position will focus on advising Colorado state agencies on a wide array of federal grant and contract issues, helping to ensure legal compliance and effective stewardship of federal funds across state programs.

The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative team that supports the Attorney General and state agencies regarding issues specific to the federal government, including federal funding of state programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation, advice, and counsel to the Attorney General and executive state agencies on federal grant and contract issues, including:
  • Grant applications and eligibility requirements
  • Compliance with federal terms and conditions
  • Amendments, suspensions, and terminations of awards
  • Cost principles, matching funds, and reporting obligations
• Interpret and apply statutes, regulations (including the Uniform Guidance), and agency-specific requirements relevant to federal funding.
• Assist in reviewing and negotiating grant agreements and subawards.
• Represent state clients in administrative disputes or enforcement proceedings related to federal funding, as needed.
• Collaborate with state agency staff across state government to identify and mitigate funding-related risks and support successful program delivery.
• Offer training and proactive guidance to DOL and state agency staff on grant management and federal compliance standards.
• Coordinate with other state attorneys general offices regarding federal funding issues.

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:

• At least 5 years of legal experience, preferably with a focus on federal funding, administrative law, public contracts, constitutional law, and/or government representation. Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to handle a diverse and fast-paced workload with professionalism and attention to detail.

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

• Experience advising on issues governed by 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).
• Knowledge of federal and state procurement or grant-making processes.
• Familiarity with federal oversight bodies such as the Office of Inspector General or Government Accountability Office (GAO).
• Public sector or government agency legal experience.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly build confidence with new teams and stakeholders

• 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.