Assistant Attorney General – Marijuana, Liquor and Bankruptcy
Details
- Section:
- Revenue & Utilities
- Position Number:
- LAA-9420-05/23
- Salary Range:
- $83,292.00 - $120,000.00 Yearly
- Apply By:
- Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 11:59 pm
- FLSA:
- Exempt
- Work Unit:
- Marijuana, Liquor & Bankruptcy
- Job Location:
- 1300 N Broadway
- Release Date:
- Monday, May 8, 2023
- Employment Type:
- Full-Time
- Position Type:
- Non-Classified
The Marijuana, Liquor and Bankruptcy (“MLB”) Unit is seeking an attorney to join its dynamic and collaborative legal team. Attorneys in the MLB Unit address a wide variety of interesting and complex legal issues of significant importance to the State of Colorado. The MLB Unit represents the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division and Liquor Enforcement Division in licensing and disciplinary litigation and general counsel matters.
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
The Marijuana, Liquor & Bankruptcy (MLB) Unit offers the opportunity to practice in cutting-edge and challenging areas of law representing the Marijuana and Liquor Enforcement Divisions of the Colorado Department of Revenue. The MLB Unit is a dynamic and collaborative group as statutes and regulations governing regulated marijuana, liquor and tobacco retailers change frequently.
This attorney will primarily handle administrative actions for both the Marijuana and Liquor Enforcement Division. Administrative actions include denials of applications for a license required to operate a regulated liquor business, tobacco retailer or marijuana business, and disciplinary actions based on alleged violations of the statutes and rules that govern these businesses. These cases are initiated by a client investigation which is then referred to the attorneys in the MLB Unit for initial review, administrative hearing, exceptions (administrative appeal) and judicial review. Administrative cases range in complexity from relatively simple to quite complex. For example, the Marijuana and Liquor Enforcement Divisions may seek enforcement action based on underage sales of liquor, tobacco or marijuana, substantial security and public health violations, violations of mandatory marijuana testing requirements, or sophisticated corporate and financial schemes intended to allow unauthorized entities and individuals to control licensed businesses. The attorney may also represent these Divisions in state and federal courts.
The attorney will be part of a team, but will be expected to handle cases independently with increasing responsibilities over time.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions in 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.
New ranges will go into effect for employees starting after July 1, 2023.
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 $83,292-$92,400/annually.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $96,420-$120,000/annually.
Current salary range is $7,100-9,000/month through June 30, 2023.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis for any new employees starting after July 1, 2023.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
In order to qualify 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 before the first day of employment.
We welcome applications from experienced litigators who can work cases independently from day one and who are comfortable with trials and motions practice. Five years of experience is ideal, but we’d consider candidates who have less experience if they are comfortable leading cases. While applicants do not need to be subject matter experts in the marijuana, liquor and tobacco fields, they should be eager to learn the law governing these areas. Applicants should also have most, if not all, of the following:
- Some experience in administrative and constitutional law.
- Trial or hearing experience, including presenting witness testimony, opening and/or closing arguments.
- Experience with negotiation and litigation including arguing contested matters at hearing or trial.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and eager to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Passion for producing excellent work product and keen attention to detail.
- Commitment to working collaboratively with a variety of colleagues, clients, and leaders.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Demonstrated interest in public service.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE. PLEASE REVIEW THE “HOW TO APPLY” SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Conditions of Employment:
- The final candidate for employment must successfully pass a thorough criminal background investigation. 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.
- The Marijuana, Liquor and Bankruptcy Unit functions on a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work in the office 2-3 days a week, usually Tuesday-Thursday.
View the full job announcement for more information and to apply.