Assistant Attorney General – Public Safety

Details

Section:

Civil Litigation and Employment Law

Position Number:

LAA-09863-03/24

Salary Range:

$83,292.00 - $120,000.00 Yearly

Apply By:

Friday, April 5, 2024, 11:59 am

FLSA:

Exempt

Work Unit:

Corrections and Public Safety

Job Location:

1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Release Date:

Friday, March 15, 2024

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Position Type:

Non-Classified

The Department of Law/Office of the Attorney General (DOL), Civil Litigation and Employment Section has a unique opportunity for an experienced attorney to work for the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), the Divisions within CDPS: the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; and all other CDPS Boards, Commissions and offices (“Public Safety Agencies”). This position offers the opportunity to provide a broad spectrum of legal counsel to Public Safety Agencies, including daily legal advice and guidance to CDPS executive management and staff on a broad variety of issues. The attorney in this position will also assist Public Safety Agencies on certain civil and criminal matters in administrative courts, state and federal district, and appellate courts. The role will combine general counsel advice and litigation on behalf of the CDPS with other attorneys in the Section. This position is best suited for an attorney who excels at independently navigating new and unfamiliar issues on a regular basis while engaging as part of a team with other attorneys and staff.

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

The Civil Litigation and Employment Section, Corrections and Public Safety Unit provides general counsel services and representation to the Department of Corrections, Parole, and the six divisions of the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS).  This role is primarily focused on providing general counsel services to CDPS and its Divisions.  A secondary but significant component of this role involves representing CDPS in both civil and criminal matters as well as supporting DOL litigation teams from across the office representing CDPS. CDPS litigation typically includes civil rights litigation and judicial review of agency action, as well as the defense of subpoenas duces tecum, open records, and criminal justice records issues. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Provide general legal advice to CDPS agencies, boards, and divisions on a broad variety of legal topics including policy issues, legislative mandates, subpoenas, or open records requests;
• Advise Public Safety Agencies on public safety matters;
• Review rules, statutes, and applicable law to advise Public Safety Agencies with respect to compliance issues;
• Litigate matters for CDPS in administrative court, state and federal district courts and appellate courts, typically in collaboration with other attorneys;
• Interpret new legislation collaboratively with Public Safety Agencies and DOL members;
• Support Public Safety Agencies in their response to State emergencies;
• Work with federal and local partners related to funding for State disaster emergencies;
• Research and draft legal opinions;
• Review policies, rules, and procedures;
• Draft Rule memoranda;
• Attend Board and Commission meetings;
• Advise on Board and Commission conduct including applicability of the Colorado Open Meetings Laws, Conflict of Interest, CORA, CCJRA. Conduct mandatory annual training for multiple boards across CDPS;
• Represent Boards in administrative challenges and hearings;
• Advise, recommend, and coordinate training specific to current legal issues or areas of concern;
• Conduct trainings as requested or needed by the client;
• Provide general counsel and advice to CDPS and related agencies on all matters and connecting them with the appropriate specialists within the DOL for further advice and guidance.
• Subject to capacity and CDPS needs, provide advice and litigation assistance to the Colorado Department of Corrections and Parole.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions in the Department of Law, Corrections & Public Safety Unit.

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. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Applicants for this position 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.

In addition, the strongest candidates will have some, or all of the following skills and attributes:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to superior client communication in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills
• Prior experience as a general counsel or as a criminal attorney
• Prior experience working with law enforcement and law enforcement stakeholders
• Confidence in working with clients and developing strong working relationships with clients
• Strong analytical and litigation skills
• Ability to independently navigate new and unfamiliar issues on a regular basis while engaging as part of a team with other attorneys and staff
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety and diversity of personalities
• Be a self-starter who is capable of and enjoys working independently, and exercise good judgment as to when to consult teammates and supervisors
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment: 

• The final candidate for employment must successfully pass a thorough criminal background investigation.
• The Public Safety Unit functions on a hybrid work model. New employees are generally expected to work in-office 2-3 days a week. Thursdays are an in-office day for the unit.
• 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 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.

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