Assistant Attorney General - False Claims Unit

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Law, Consumer Protection Section is seeking an experienced and motivated attorney to join the False Claims Unit. This position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct complex investigations and litigation involving fraud against the State of Colorado and its political subdivisions. As an Assistant Attorney General in this Unit, you will investigate whistleblower and government agency complaints and allegations, evaluate evidence and potential violations of the Colorado False Claims Act, and litigate and resolve matters aimed at recovering public funds. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys developing cases from the ground up, managing complex civil matters, exercising independent legal judgment, and using their litigation skills to protect Colorado’s public resources. If you are interested in using your legal and advocacy skills to combat fraud, protect public funds, and make a meaningful impact for the people of Colorado, we invite you to apply! The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer.” The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.” Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. This position in the False Claims Unit presents a truly unique opportunity to combat fraud, safeguard public funds, and help shape the future of the Colorado False Claims Act. The Unit investigates allegations that corporations and individuals have defrauded the critical state infrastructure and social programs. Attorneys in the unit work together, with other state Assistant Attorneys General, and with investigators to evaluate whistleblower complaints, issue subpoenas, take testimony, and evaluate evidence. As an Assistant Attorney General in the Unit, you will appear before state and federal courts on behalf of the Attorney General, litigate complex civil cases, and negotiate settlements that will make a meaningful difference for the State of Colorado. An Assistant Attorney General in this position must have an entrepreneurial spirit and be ready to learn about a vast array of state programs and areas of law ranging from educational grants to mineral royalties to state contract procurement. This team member will be expected to exercise their knowledge and discretion to enforce the Colorado False Claims Act in a manner that will set constructive legal precedent. This position will require an experienced litigator and team player with a strategic mindset to support this developing practice.

Requirements

Qualified applicants must be admitted to the Colorado Bar or be 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 and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment.
Litigation experience, including with investigations, discovery, and depositions; and courtroom experience (trial or oral argument), and understanding of the Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure and Rules of Professional Conduct.
Experience with the federal or other state’s False Claims Act and/or knowledge of the Colorado False Claims Act.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines, jump-start investigations, analyze evidence and exercise excellent judgement to make recommendations and determinations whether to bring or intervene in actions under the Colorado False Claims Act.
Strong skills in oral and written advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution, and communication.
Experience working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated desire to serve the public.
For the Senior Assistant Attorney General position, we are seeking applicants who have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in False Claims Act practice or other legal experience directly related to the assignment.
Relevant expertise may include experience with federal or state false claims laws, government or internal investigations, qui tam matters, complex civil enforcement or litigation, fraud investigations, or other matters involving allegations of fraud against government programs or public funds.

Nice To Haves

First-chair or comparable lead responsibility in complex civil enforcement or litigation in state and/or federal court.
Significant experience conducting or leading complex investigations, including evaluating evidence, identifying potential legal violations, and developing investigative or litigation strategy.
Experience with False Claims Act or qui tam matters, government enforcement actions, fraud investigations, or other complex matters involving government programs or public funds.
Experience managing a substantial portfolio of investigations and litigation involving complex factual and legal issues, competing priorities, and significant deadlines.
Experience working collaboratively with governmental agencies, investigators, agency counsel, whistleblowers and their counsel, or other stakeholders in the investigation, litigation, or resolution of complex matters.
Experience leading investigative or litigation teams and mentoring or coaching attorneys and professional staff.
A demonstrated commitment to public service and to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, accountable, and respectful work environment.

Responsibilities

Independently manage a caseload of investigations and active litigation in state and federal court.
Work with attorneys and investigators in the Department of Law and other state agencies to evaluate complaints and claims.
Draft civil investigative demands, issue subpoenas, take testimony, and otherwise pursue the lawful collection and evaluation of evidence to determine the validity and likelihood of proving claims.
Make timely determinations of whether to intervene, or file motions to dismiss, in cases brought by whistleblowers and served on the Department of Law.
Evaluate the evidence to determine whether action is warranted, and if so, whether and on what terms to settle or resolve the claim pre-judgement.
Litigate FCA actions in state and federal court.
Advise agency counsel regarding the False Claims Act (FCA) throughout the Department of Law, as well as municipal entities and their counsel.
Work with other members of the Department of Law and other State agencies to create awareness of the FCA and to assist in developing contractual terms to enable FCA enforcement for non-performance.
Participate as a team player who enjoys collaborating with colleagues to achieve the best results for Colorado consumers.

Benefits

Competitive medical and dental health plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Paid holidays
Retirement plans with Colorado PERA
Vacation and sick leave earned each month
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.