Assistant Attorney General (Human Services)
About The Position
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 Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Our attorneys engage in high-impact, complex legal work across a broad range of subject areas, appearing before federal, state and administrative courts. Many matters involved novel legal questions with statewide and, at times, national implications. The statutes and regulations governing CDHS, CDEC and the BHA directly affect and have a substantial impact on Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens. This position offers attorneys a meaningful opportunity to advance justice, equity, and public service through their legal practice, and is best suited for an attorney with strong communication skills, exemplary legal writing and analytical abilities, a desire to advocate for the populations served by our client agencies who enjoys working collaboratively while taking ownership of complex matters, and strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategy. Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Requirements
- Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I).
- Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II).
- 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.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Experience litigating complex matters in district courts and/or administrative courts.
- Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
- Interest in working on cases that involve children, vulnerable adults and emotionally challenging subject matters.
- One independent writing sample is required.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Litigate before federal and state district courts and the Office of Administrative Courts.
- Defend findings of child abuse, neglect, and adult mistreatment made by county human services departments.
- Prosecute licensing actions against childcare providers and substance absuse disorder treatment or behavioral health providers for violation of state regulations and applicable state statutes.
- Defend the departments against civil complaints seeking injunctive relief.
- Handle cases involving constitutional challenges, anti-discrimination laws, and other high-impact legal questions with important legal ramifications and state-wide or national impact.
- 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, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
- Advising on rulemaking and legislative matters
- Responding to records requests and subpoenas
- Conducting legal research and drafting guidance/advice on diverse and complex legal issues.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
