Assistant Attorney Civil Senior - Litigation

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

4d•$125,371 - $156,714•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Attorney Civil Senior represents the City of Aurora and its employees in complex civil litigation in Colorado state and federal courts. The position manages litigation from initial filing through trial and appeal and serves as lead or supporting counsel as appropriate. Matters may include claims arising under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Colorado Law Enforcement Integrity Act, Colorado tort law, the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, and other areas of civil law. The position also provides legal counsel to City departments, advises on claims and risk matters, and may develop or deliver legal training to City employees. The position will be classified as a Senior Assistant City Attorney.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience practicing civil litigation, including experience serving as lead counsel or in a substantive supporting role in trials, evidentiary hearings, or comparable contested proceedings
Applicants must be licensed to practice by the Colorado Supreme Court and be in good standing, or able to obtain admittance within six (6) months of hire date
Applicants must be eligible to become admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, if not already admitted to practice in the District
Applicants must be eligible to become admitted to practice in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, if not already admitted to practice in the Circuit
Knowledge of civil litigation principles, practices, and procedures applicable to state and federal courts
Knowledge of substantive areas of law relevant to municipal civil litigation, including governmental liability, constitutional claims, governmental immunity, and tort law
Knowledge of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Colorado Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence, applicable appellate rules, local court rules, and judicial practice standards
Knowledge of legal ethics, professional responsibility, attorney-client privilege, confidentiality requirements, and applicable standards of professional conduct
Knowledge of municipal government operations, public-sector legal considerations, and principles of litigation risk management and dispute resolution
Skill in legal research
Litigation and courtroom advocacy skills, including motions practice, witness examination, depositions, evidentiary hearings, trial, and oral argument
Skill in evaluating complex factual and legal issues and developing practical, defensible litigation strategies
Skill in negotiation, dispute resolution, and evaluation of litigation risk
Skill in communicating complex legal concepts clearly and appropriately to attorneys, City leadership, employees, elected officials, courts, and other audiences
Skill in establishing effective professional relationships and providing responsive legal counsel to internal clients
Skill in organizing and managing multiple complex matters, deadlines, and competing priorities
Skill in using legal research databases, electronic case-management systems, and standard office technology
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, residents, elected officials, community members, and partner agencies
Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and synthesize complex information into a more useful format for decision-makers
Ability to establish and fulfill goals and objectives
Ability to administer budgets and prepare cost estimates
Ability to effectively litigate civil cases
Ability to creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations in a positive manner

Nice To Haves

Experience representing governmental entities or public-sector clients in civil litigation
Experience litigating matters involving 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, the Colorado Law Enforcement Integrity Act, Colorado tort law, or comparable areas of governmental liability

Responsibilities

Represents the City and its employees in complex civil litigation in Colorado state and federal courts, serving as lead or supporting counsel as appropriate
Manages assigned litigation through all phases of a matter, including pleadings, discovery, motions practice, hearings, depositions, expert and witness coordination, trial preparation, trial, post-trial proceedings, and appeals
Conducts legal research and prepares persuasive pleadings, briefs, motions, memoranda, legal opinions, and other written materials appropriate to the intended audience
Represents the City in appellate matters, including preparing appellate briefs and presenting oral arguments.
Advises City departments, employees, and leadership on complex legal matters; evaluates legal issues and provides practical, risk-informed counsel based on applicable law and circumstances
Serves as legal counsel to the Risk Management division on claims, governmental immunity, workers’ compensation, and related matters
Represents the City and City employees in administrative and quasi-judicial proceedings, including civil service and career service matters
Develops litigation strategy; evaluates legal and organizational risk; and recommends appropriate courses of action, resolution strategies, or settlement approaches
Advises clients regarding litigation developments, potential exposure, strategic considerations, and recommended actions
Provides legal training and guidance to City employees on litigation-related matters and areas of assigned legal expertise
Responds to legal inquiries from City leadership and City Council and presents legal information in executive sessions as appropriate
Provides guidance, consultation, and subject-matter expertise to attorneys and other staff and contributes to improvements in legal practices, processes, and client service
Performs other related duties as assigned