Assistant Attorney General (Human Services)

Details

Section:
State Services
Position Number:
LAA-09879
Salary Range:
$88,197.00 - $136,558.00 Yearly
Apply By:
Friday, April 24, 2026, 11:59 pm
FLSA:
Exempt
Work Unit:
Human Services
Job Location:
1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Release Date:
Friday, April 10, 2026
Employment Type:
Full-Time
Position Type:
Non-Classified

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

 

The Human Services Unit within the State Services section is seeking two attorneys to join its dynamic and collaborative legal team. The Unit advises the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Our attorneys engage in high-impact, complex legal work across a broad range of subject areas, appearing before federal, state and administrative courts. Many matters involved novel legal questions with statewide and, at times, national implications.

The statutes and regulations governing CDHS, CDEC and the BHA directly affect and have a substantial impact on Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens. This position offers attorneys a meaningful opportunity to advance justice, equity, and public service through their legal practice, and is best suited for an attorney with strong communication skills, exemplary legal writing and analytical abilities, a desire to advocate for the populations served by our client agencies who enjoys working collaboratively while taking ownership of complex matters, and strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategy.

Applications 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

Attorneys in this role often:

  •  Litigate before federal and state district courts and the Office of Administrative Courts.
  • Defend findings of child abuse, neglect, and adult mistreatment made by county human services departments.
  • Prosecute licensing actions against childcare providers and substance absuse disorder treatment or behavioral health providers for violation of state regulations and applicable state statutes.
  • Defend the departments against civil complaints seeking injunctive relief.
  • Handle cases involving constitutional challenges, anti-discrimination laws, and other high-impact legal questions with important legal ramifications and state-wide or national impact.

Other cases involve issues related to public benefits and child support services, care and treatment of individuals living with developmental disabilities or mental health disorders, child welfare, and juvenile justice.

Advisory and Policy Work

In addition to litigation, attorneys routinely provide general counsel to CDHS, CDEC and the BHA, including:

  • Advising on rulemaking and legislative matters
  • Responding to records requests and subpoenas
  • Conducting legal research and drafting guidance/advice on diverse and complex legal issues.

Cases and assignments are diverse and may arise from any division across all departments, offering attorneys a broad and intellectually engaging practice. There are opportunities to collaborate with other units and sections within the office, expanding both subject-matter expertise and professional development.

This announcement may be used multiple attorney positions within the State Services section, Human Services unit at the Department of Law.

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/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney 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/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Human Services unit is seeking experienced, confident, and adaptable attorneys who are passionate about public service and want to be a part of a collaborative and supportive team. Ideal candidates will have enough litigation experience to jump in and manage their own caseload, assess problems, research novel state and federal issues, evaluate and identify solutions, effectively communicate those solutions and be comfortable representing clients in hearings.

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Colorado or be 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.

In addition, the best candidates will possess the following skills and attributes:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Experience litigating complex matters in district courts and/or administrative courts.
  • Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
  • Interest in working on cases that involve children, vulnerable adults and emotionally challenging subject matters.

Some knowledge in the following areas is beneficial: administrative, juvenile, child welfare, behavioral health, privacy law, open records law, special education law, constitutional law, and appellate law.

Please note: Litigation experience does not need to be limited to formal criminal or civil proceedings, but please describe your litigation and subject matter experience in your cover letter.

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 workforce 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.
  • This position may include infrequent overnight travel within the State of Colorado.
  • The Human Services Unit offers flexible work arrangements. Employees are required to come into the office at least 1 day per week, and for some meetings or court hearings. Please note, 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.