Assistant Attorney General - Governmental Liability Defense (Tort Litigation Unit)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

18d

About The Position

The Tort Litigation Unit in the Civil Litigation and Employment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office seeks a skilled litigator to join its governmental liability defense team. The unit represents the State of Colorado, its agencies, institutions of higher education, officials, and employees in state and federal lawsuits and claims seeking money damages. Its public-law defense practice includes constitutional and civil rights litigation, governmental immunity, personal injury and tort defense, employment matters, and other civil litigation, including commercial and contract disputes. Attorneys defend claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Colorado Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act, and the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, and develop expertise in sovereign immunity, qualified immunity, and other limits on governmental liability. The varied docket offers work at every stage of litigation, including case strategy, discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, dispositive motions, trials, and appeals. Attorneys also advise clients on litigation risk and strategy and support investigations intended to prevent claims and reduce exposure. The position offers flexible work arrangements, which may change based on business needs. The recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions. Compensation depends on qualifications and experience: attorneys with less than three years of practicing experience may be hired as Assistant Attorney General I, with a listed annual salary range of $89,964–$119,047; attorneys with more than three years may be hired as Assistant Attorney General II, with a listed annual range of $102,099–$136,468. Salary is paid biweekly.

Requirements

Be admitted to the Colorado Bar or 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 must submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before their first day of employment.
Demonstrate litigation skills and the ability to lead cases independently while collaborating with colleagues and clients.
Have strong written and oral advocacy skills and the ability to analyze evolving legal issues and develop effective litigation strategies.
Demonstrate a commitment to public service, collaboration, and excellent client representation, including working effectively with diverse clients and colleagues.
Submit a cover letter detailing interest and relevant experience, a resume, a writing sample, and three professional references.
Pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with, or a strong interest in developing expertise in, civil rights and constitutional litigation and government-specific defenses, including the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Eleventh Amendment or sovereign immunity, qualified immunity, and absolute judicial immunity.
Experience handling, or a strong interest in developing expertise in, tort, personal injury, and employment-related claims, including discrimination, retaliation, and related workplace issues.
Substantial litigation experience to independently lead complex matters; attorneys earlier in their careers are also welcome and may take on increasing responsibility as they develop.

Responsibilities

Lead the defense of significant governmental liability cases, including civil rights and constitutional claims, tort and personal injury matters, and employment disputes in state and federal court.
Own a varied litigation docket from early case assessment through dispositive motions, discovery, trial, and appeal.
Develop case strategy, take and defend depositions, work with expert witnesses, and brief dispositive and constitutional issues.
Try cases and handle appeals, with opportunities to brief and argue before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Advise the State Office of Risk Management, state agencies, and institutions of higher education on litigation risk and strategy.
Partner with clients on practical legal advice and investigations designed to prevent claims and reduce exposure in civil rights, tort, and employment matters.
Collaborate with litigators and general counsel across the Attorney General’s Office.

Benefits

Comprehensive state benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision health plans.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Paid holidays.
Retirement plans with Colorado PERA.
Vacation and sick leave earned each month.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Free access to an on-site fitness center.
Flexible work schedules and other work-life programs.
Professional development opportunities and training.
Employee discount program.
Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program.
Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues.
Access to professional development training and continuing legal education through PLI, Department of Law University, and other entities.