Assistant Attorney General - Tort Litigation Unit

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Tort Litigation Unit in the Civil Litigation and Employment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office seeks an experienced, driven litigator to join our high-performing team. This is a rare opportunity to take a critical, lead role defending state agencies, institutions of higher education, and state employees in tort/personal injury, civil rights, and employment lawsuits, from inception through appeal. Our team handles impactful and often high-profile matters that shape public policy and protect the work of state government. We are looking for a confident, strategic attorney who brings strong courtroom experience, sound judgment, and a passion for public service. Equally important, we value engagement and teamwork. We strive for collaboration and take pride in delivering excellent results while maintaining a positive, team-oriented environment. The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator who is energized by tackling challenging legal issues alongside talented colleagues. The Tort Litigation Unit handles tort, civil rights, and employment claims against the State of Colorado and its employees. Our attorneys represent Colorado’s Office of Risk Management, state agencies, institutions of higher education, and employees sued in state and federal court. We defend personal injury and other tort claims and also claims brought under such statutes as the Colorado Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act, C.R.S. § 13-21-131, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, as well as a wide range of employment laws. Beyond litigation, our team partners closely with clients to proactively manage risk. We provide practical legal advice and investigative support to help prevent claims and mitigate exposure in areas involving personal injury, civil rights, and employment matters. Attorneys in this role: Lead the defense of often high-profile cases involving civil rights, personal injury claims, and employment law, including constitutional issues in federal and state court; Manage a full litigation docket, from early case assessment and dispositive motions through discovery, engagement of experts, trial, and appeal. We brief and argue appeals before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals; Serve as a trusted advisor to the State Office of Risk Management, state agencies, and institutions of higher education, on litigation risk and strategy; Collaborate with a talented, mission-driven group of litigators and general counsel across the Attorney General’s Office to deliver exceptional representation and results. This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position within the Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section at 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). Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range for an AAG I is $88,197-$117,964/annually. Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). Effective July 1, 2025, the AAG II salary range is $102,099 - $136,558/annually. Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

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.
At least three years of meaningful civil litigation experience in state and/or federal court, with a demonstrated ability to manage cases and move them forward
Experience with, or a strong interest in developing expertise in, government-specific defenses, including the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Eleventh Amendment immunity, qualified immunity, and absolute judicial immunity
Experience handling, or a strong interest in developing expertise in employment-related claims, including discrimination, retaliation, and related workplace issues
A strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategies in complex cases
A commitment to public service and to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in both client representation and workplace culture
Strong interpersonal skills
Proven high performer
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.
Must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

Skilled, team-oriented litigator who is comfortable leading cases independently as they collaborate with colleagues and clients.
Thrives on a collaborative and friendly work environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the defense of often high-profile cases involving civil rights, personal injury claims, and employment law, including constitutional issues in federal and state court
Manage a full litigation docket, from early case assessment and dispositive motions through discovery, engagement of experts, trial, and appeal
Brief and argue appeals before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
Serve as a trusted advisor to the State Office of Risk Management, state agencies, and institutions of higher education, on litigation risk and strategy
Collaborate with a talented, mission-driven group of litigators and general counsel across the Attorney General’s Office to deliver exceptional representation and results
Provide practical legal advice and investigative support to help prevent claims and mitigate exposure in areas involving personal injury, civil rights, and employment matters

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
Flexible work schedules
Professional development opportunities
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.