Assistant Attorney General
Details
- Section:
- State Services
- Position Number:
- 9059
- Salary Range:
- $83,292.00 - $120,000.00 Yearly
- Apply By:
- Monday, October 9, 2023, 11:59 pm
- FLSA:
- Exempt
- Work Unit:
- Human Services
- Job Location:
- 1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
- Release Date:
- Friday, September 22, 2023
- Employment Type:
- Full-Time
- Position Type:
- Non-Classified
The Human Services Unit within the State Services section is seeking an attorney to join its dynamic and collaborative legal team. The Unit advises the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), and the newly created Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Our attorneys have the opportunity to practice in diverse and challenging areas of law that frequently present novel legal questions, some of which have national implications. Statutes and regulations governing the CDHS, CDEC and the BHA have a substantial impact on some of Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens. This position is best suited for an attorney with strong communication skills who enjoys working collaboratively and excels at developing and implementing a successful litigation strategy.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Attorneys in this role often:
- Work on cases involving important constitutional challenges relating to the First Amendment and anti-discrimination prohibitions, and cases with important legal ramifications and/or state-wide impact.
- Litigate before district courts and the Office of Administrative Courts.
- Defend findings of child abuse and neglect and adult mistreatment made by county human services departments.
- Prosecute licensing actions against childcare providers and substance disorder treatment or behavioral health providers for violation of state regulations and applicable state statutes.
- Defend the Departments against civil complaints seeking injunctive relief.
Other cases involve issues related to public benefits and child support services, care and treatment of individuals living with developmental disabilities or mental health disorders, and juvenile justice.
We routinely provide general counsel to CDHS, CDEC and the BHA on rulemaking, legislation, and records requests and subpoenas. This team’s general counsel work includes research and drafting advice to the Departments on diverse and complex legal issues. Cases and assignments vary and may originate from any division across all Departments. There may be opportunities to work on issues with other units or sections in the office.
This job announcement may be used to fill other attorney vacancies at 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.
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.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Human Services unit is seeking an experienced, confident, and adaptable attorney who is passionate about public service and wants to be a part of a collaborative and supportive team. Ideal candidates will have enough litigation experience to jump in and manage their own caseload, assess problems, evaluate and identify solutions, effectively communicate those solutions and be comfortable representing clients in hearings.
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Colorado or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment.
In addition, the best candidates will possess the following skills and attributes:
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently and productively as part of a team.
- Experience litigating complex matters in district courts or administrative courts.
- Interest in working on cases that involve children or vulnerable adults.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work.
Some knowledge in the following areas is beneficial: administrative, juvenile, child welfare, behavioral health, privacy law, open records law, special education law, constitutional law, and appellate law.
Please note: Litigation experience does not need to be limited to criminal or civil, but please describe your litigation and subject matter experience in your cover letter.
The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and believes 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.