First Assistant Attorney General (Criminal Appeals)

The Colorado Department of Law is seeking a First Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals Section. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced appellate practitioner to help lead a team of dedicated public servants and make a difference in the lives of the People of Colorado. The Office of the Attorney General offers the opportunity to be involved in challenging, interesting, and meaningful work in a collaborative environment supported by leadership committed to effective and innovative law enforcement.

The Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado’s prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant’s claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.

WHAT YOU WILL DO 
The First Assistant Attorney General (“First”) will be responsible for leading a team of attorneys and fellows with diverse backgrounds in criminal appellate practice. The First reports to the Deputy Attorney General for the Criminal Appeals Section and participates in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Office as a whole. The First facilitates the work and operations of the section, promoting collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service. The First assigns and oversees cases to line attorneys, coordinates workflow, and carries an independent workload. The First also has management responsibilities which include coaching and evaluating the attorneys; reporting to senior management on legal, operational, and personnel matters; and furthering the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Department of Law.

Specific duties include:

• Handling a caseload which may include high profile or complex cases in the Section and supervising other staff performing the same;
• Coaching team members and helping them set goals for professional development;
• Serving as a frontline leader, including being responsible for employee performance management activities;
• Assisting with review of motions practice in unassigned cases;
• Rigorously editing line attorneys’ briefs, petitions for rehearing/certiorari, and any other work product;
• Coordinating brainstorming and moot court sessions for line attorneys; and
• Working as part of a collaborative management team to lead with empathy, innovation, and a growth-mindset.

Salary note: The DOL 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
The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/DOL 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.
Client Service, 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 position must meet the following criteria:

• 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.
• Demonstrated competency in criminal law and appellate practice; and
• Have outstanding writing and analytical skills.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience with criminal law and appellate practice;
• Prior management or supervisory experience leading a diverse workforce, or similar experience as a lead on a project or for a team. (Experience does not need to be as an attorney); and
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and public service;
• Significant litigation experience in criminal matters;
• Formal or informal experience as a coach, mentor, and/or manager – with a demonstrated ability to develop individuals and teams professionally;
• Organizational or team leadership experience and be eager to work with our leadership team on high-level, strategic decisions for the Section and the enterprise;
• Outstanding legal writing experience and be capable of coaching others on their writing.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.

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.