Entry Level Assistant City Attorney - Prosecution and Code Enforcement
About The Position
The City Attorney's Office is hiring an unlimited Entry Level Assistant City Attorney for the Prosecution and Code Enforcement (PACE) Section of the Department of Law. A PACE Entry Level Assistant City Attorney prosecutes a variety of municipal ordinance violations that occur within the City and County of Denver. We seek an attorney with experience or interest in criminal law, a basic understanding of municipal government law, a strong commitment to public service and public safety, and courtroom experience or interest in gaining strong courtroom and trial experience. PACE prosecutes municipal crimes and traffic offenses, including domestic violence, assault, shoplifting, trespassing, and traffic violations. Additionally, we help victims of crimes understand their rights and provide planning to help victims safely participate in the criminal justice process. PACE also handles civil nuisance abatement cases against property used during the commission of crime and provides legal support to the Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. This is an exceptional opportunity for attorneys seeking immediate courtroom and trial experience, trial advocacy training, and significant courtroom responsibility early in their legal careers, all while making a direct impact in the Denver community. Successful candidates are energized by fast-paced litigation, enjoy thinking on their feet, and are motivated by serving victims, advancing public safety, and making a positive difference through public service. This role offers substantial courtroom responsibility from day one and is well suited for individuals who are eager to learn, thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, exercise sound judgment, and enjoy working as part of a highly collaborative team.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree
- None
- Possession of a license to practice law in Colorado from the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire or a reasonable expectation of becoming licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire in accordance with C.R.C.P. 203.2, 203.3, 203.4 and 205.6
- Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment
- Experience or interest in criminal law and prosecution
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Commitment to public service, public safety, and victim advocacy
- Demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced demanding environment through professional, academic, clinical, internship, or other relevant experience
- Confidence thinking on your feet and responding professionally to unexpected challenges in a courtroom or legal setting
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high pressure, high stress environments; capable of effectively managing a high-volume caseload while balancing competing priorities
- Sound judgment, common sense, and the ability to adapt quickly in dynamic and evolving situations
- Experience or interest in working with victims, including domestic violence victims, using a compassionate and trauma-informed approach
- Commitment to working collaboratively as part of a highly supportive and team-oriented environment
- Demonstrated initiative, strong work ethic, and a willingness to continuously learn and develop as a trial attorney
Responsibilities
- Appear in court daily and represent the City and County of Denver in criminal prosecutions involving municipal code violations and select state law offenses
- Evaluate, prepare and prosecute cases through all stages of criminal litigation, including arraignments, motions hearings, plea negotiations, trials, and post-conviction proceedings
- Advocate for victims and help them navigate the criminal justice process through compassionate, trauma-informed communication and support, while ensuring compliance with the Municipal Victim Rights Act
- Manage a high-volume caseload while exercising sound judgment, prioritizing competing demands, and meeting court deadlines
- Work collaboratively with paralegals and victim advocates to ensure cases are properly prepared and effectively presented to the court
- Develop litigation, negotiation, and trial advocacy skills through frequent courtroom appearances and hands-on prosecutorial experience
- Draft appropriate motions and respond to motions in a professional and timely manner. Draft and respond to appeals
- Provide City agencies with legal advice. Represent City agencies during administrative hearings. Interpret policy, ordinances and charter requirements
- Assist other attorneys working in specialized areas with research and related activities
- Draft proposed ordinances
- Provide training and sound legal support to city agencies, including the Denver Police Department, the Denver Fire Department, the Denver Sheriff’s Department, and others
Benefits
- Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (effective within 1 month of start date, City pays majority of premiums)
- Pension Plan for Life (Employee contributes 8.45%, Employer matches at 17.95%)
- 457 (b) Retirement Plan (no early withdrawal fee!)
- PTO (over 3 weeks in your first year) and 14 paid holidays
- Merit Increases
- STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Life Insurance
- CARE Bank, Family Leave Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program, Employee Volunteer Program
- Tuition Reimbursement (up to $2000/year), We Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Learning and Development Opportunities; Courses and Career Development Resources
- EcoPass (unlimited free RTD bus/train rides)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
