Assistant Attorney Civil Senior

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aurora City Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced water court litigator to join its growing team of talented legal professionals. The individual will represent the City of Aurora and its Utility Enterprise, Aurora Water, in Colorado Water Court litigation. The most frequently filed matters include diligence, statements of opposition, appropriative claims for direct flow and storage rights, exchanges, and adjudication of changes of water rights from irrigation to municipal use. The individuals will be expected to handle trials as lead counsel in Colorado Water Court Divisions 1, 2, and 5. The individual will have ownership of the cases and assist Aurora Water with legal matters. The individual may also advise Aurora Water on day-to-day operations, adjudication of water rights, ditch company holdings, water quality matters, and legislation. The position will be classified as either an Assistant City Attorney or a Senior Assistant City Attorney, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The Aurora City Attorney’s Office follows a hybrid work structure. Employees have some required days in the office (both scheduled and as needed for case-related tasks), but can otherwise work remotely or from the office, based on the demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Effective the first day of employment, the individuals selected must maintain Colorado residency.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Applicants must be licensed to practice by the Colorado Supreme Court and be in good standing
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
For Assistant City Attorney: 3 years of experience in water litigation - Required
For Senior Assistant City Attorney: 7 years of experience in water litigation - Required
Prior experience acting as lead counsel or in a major assisting role in water court trials –Required
Prior experience working with governmental entities and Colorado water law – Required
Subject matter experience in most of the following areas of Colorado water law and water rights, to include: Prior Appropriation Doctrine, Change of use cases, Exchanges of water, Storage rights, Augmentation Plans, Short-term water leases, Substitute Supply Plans - Required
Knowledge of the basic substantive areas of water law and the ability to conduct legal research, and write motions and briefs
Knowledge of procedural rules, Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and local court rules
Utilizes knowledge and abilities obtained through law school education and prior legal experience to conduct research, draft legal documents, provide sound advice to City staff, and/or participate in litigation
Knowledge of general office procedures, legal terminology, legal forms, computers, including related word processing software applications, legal research, and writing Bluebook and other similar legal citation methods
Substantial skill in water court pleadings practice
Skill in legal research
Motivation, ability, and perseverance for courtroom/litigation duties
Teamwork, professionalism, positive attitude
Strong interpersonal skills
Skill in the use of Windows-based programs
Skilled in the use of the Westlaw legal research platform
Strong customer service skills
Ability to effectively litigate water cases
Demonstrated knowledge of human behavior, and the ability to effectively counsel, train, interview, and imbue others with an opinion or understanding of a concept
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management, including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations in a positive manner

Nice To Haves

Prior experience assisting in water court trials -Preferred
Prior experience working with governmental entities and Colorado water law - Preferred
Subject matter experience with Colorado water law and water rights, to include: Prior Appropriation Doctrine, Change of use cases, Exchanges of water, Storage rights, Augmentation Plans, Short-term water leases, Substitute Supply Plans – Preferred
Subject matter experience within West Slope water issues and concerns, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes, and water quality - Preferred

Responsibilities

Serves as lead counsel and in assisting roles in all aspects of Water Court litigation, including preparation of pleadings; responses and objections; handling water court hearings; taking and defending depositions; securing experts; interviewing witnesses; updating clients; and representing Aurora Water at trial
Serves as lead counsel and in assisting roles in a variety of Colorado Water Court litigation from preparation to trial and including drafting briefs/motions, oral arguments, and appeals
Performs legal research and can succinctly draft persuasive pleadings, informative memoranda, and audience-appropriate correspondence
Advises and consults with Aurora Water staff on legal matters -- determining the nature of legal problems and counseling based on legal expertise and experience
Acts as legal counsel to Aurora Water, including providing legal advice on water rights, ditch company governance, acquisitions, intergovernmental agreements, legislation, drafting ordinances and resolutions
Review and provide feedback on proposed legislation that affects Aurora Water and its water rights and service
Represents Aurora Water in administrative hearings and rulemakings
Provides legal counsel to various Boards and Commissions
Performs direct legal service on a variety of matters concerning and/or related to the Charter, Ordinances, or rules and regulations of the City
Responds to requests from Aurora Water staff and members of City Council and presents information during City Council Meetings and Executive Sessions
Performs other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Diverse community
Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
Growing city and employee population
Rich benefits package with low employee costs
Generous paid leave program
100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program
Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available
Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs
Continued education and career advancement opportunities