Temporary Attorney

• Prosecute and/or defend criminal and civil litigation in which a State agency, employee, administrator, or elected official is involved.

• Defend the State in tort cases, including negotiation and all stages of litigation through appeals.

• Work with and assist District Attorneys, managing settlement funds, directing assigned clerical workers, paralegals, and investigators.

2. Administrative Procedure Duties:

• Prosecute and/or defend Administrative Procedures Act quasi-judicial matters.

• Assist agencies with preparations for hearings, including notice preparation, compliance with notice requirements, witness preparation, and presentation of the agency’s position.

• Represent State agencies at administrative hearings and rule-making proceedings at both State and Federal levels, ensuring compliance with notice and procedural requirements.

• Handle appeals and judicial review processes.

3. Advisory Duties:

• Provide legal advice (oral and written) to State agencies and attorneys, including preparing drafts for official Attorney General opinions.

4. Administrative Duties:

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, leases, deeds, easements, permits, licenses, and other legal instruments for State agencies.

• Review and draft legislation and regulations, assessing agency authority, legislative history, and potential implications of proposed rules and legislation.

• Appear before legislative committees when required.

• Participate in multi-state cases and conduct training seminars.

5. Lead Duties:

• Lead and supervise secretaries, paralegals, and investigators.

• Occasionally monitor or assist less experienced attorneys.

Assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department, offering exposure to diverse legal work.

This hiring may accommodate multiple candidates, working concurrently across various matters to support the organization’s workload.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong skills in legal research, case management, investigatory procedures, and discovery. 

• Knowledge of open meetings laws and broad areas of law.
• Experience in trial work in both State and Federal courts.

• Ability to draft proposed rules and legislation, prepare legal briefs, and pleadings.

• Expertise in working with expert witnesses and managing case loads.

• Strong judgment, confidentiality, and analytical skills.

• Ability to direct clerical, paralegal, and investigative staff.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with State officials, administrators, opposing attorneys, courts, and colleagues within the Department of Law.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

• License to practice law in Colorado, or eligibility to waive into the Colorado Bar.

Qualified applicants must either be licensed to practice law in Colorado or eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. If you are eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar, you will be required to submit proof of your completed application before your first day of employment.

• Strong Writing Skills: Ability to draft clear, concise, well-written, and persuasive legal documents.
• Excellent Interpersonal Skills: Capable of building relationships with clients, staff, and the public.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Must be able to effectively convey legal concepts and advice both verbally and in writing.
• Matter Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Experience in litigation, administrative law, or government practice is helpful but not required.

As a Temporary Attorney, you will regularly interact with clients, colleagues, and members of the public. A commitment to building effective and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders is essential.

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.

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 visit the Colorado Supreme Court’s Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.

• The Department of Law offers the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule, which will vary depending on the work unit. Please note that flexible work arrangements may change based on business needs.

• 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 is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.