First Assistant Attorney General – Civil Rights

The work of the Civil Rights team will focus primarily on the areas of housing, and workers protection, and pattern or practice investigations. This includes:

• Enforcing state laws protecting Colorado tenants and residents, including protections for security deposits, rental applications, and mobile home, as well as fair housing
• Enforcing state laws to protect Colorado workers from worker misclassification related to unemployment, wage theft, and noncompete(s)
• Conducting investigations of patterns and practices of public entities depriving citizens of their civil rights

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The First Assistant Attorney General (“First”) is responsible for leading a team in ways that are consistent with the values of the Department of Law that recognize that members of the Department of Law are public servants, principled, innovative, and better together. The First reports to the Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Consumer Protection Section and participates in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Office.

The First facilitates the work and operations of the Unit, promoting collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service. The First assigns and oversees cases and other legal responsibilities, coordinates workflow, and carries an independent workload. In addition, the First has management responsibilities that include making hiring and salary recommendations; coaching and evaluating the attorneys and paralegal; providing professional development through mentoring; and reporting to senior management on legal, operational, and personnel matters. The First also leads the Unit in the development of investigations and in monitoring legislative developments.

As the First Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Section, Civil Rights Unit you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead the Unit and supervises a staff of 6 employees, including assistant attorneys general and investigators.
• Develop and implements new program areas for enforcement of workers’ rights and housing rights.
• Develop and expand the department’s authority to conduct pattern and practice investigations and enter into and monitor consent decrees.
• Develop a supportive and inclusive culture in line with the vision and values of the Department of Law; consider diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making; and foster collaboration, teamwork, and professional development for staff.

First Assistant Attorney Generals at the Department of Law ensure the unit consistently provides high-quality legal representation. The First is expected to handle a caseload which may include high profile or complex cases in the unit and to supervise other staff performing similar work.  The First Assistant Attorney General serves as a frontline leader and is responsible for employee performance management activities and assisting the Deputy Attorney General with personnel, budget, and various administrative duties affecting the work of the Unit and the Department of Law.

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position 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.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law leadership team. As such, the strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies.

Communication & Listening – Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff.
Flexible & Adaptable Management – Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible
Coaching & Developing People – Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals
Creative & Strategic Problem Solving – Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises
Enterprise & Growth Mindset – Balances the goals of clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise
Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence– Demonstrates and models self- awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with clients, colleagues, and staff

Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General – Civil Rights unit position must have the following qualifications:

• Admitted to the Colorado bar or 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;
• A minimum of 7 years of experience which includes affirmative litigation and investigations
• Prior management or supervisory experience leading a diverse workforce;
• Strong experience as a litigator and trial lawyer with substantial depth in affirmative investigations and litigation;
• Demonstrated competency in litigating complex cases; and
• Outstanding writing, analytical, and communication skills