Assistant County Attorney I - Dhs

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant County Attorney provides entry-level legal services to the Department of Human Services in matters involving dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, and related administrative issues. Under close supervision, the attorney assists with case preparation, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings and motions, appears in court on routine matters, and partners with caseworkers and agency staff to support effective and timely case outcomes that protect public safety and promote child and family well-being.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate and 0-2 years of legal experience, a preference for litigation experience.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado, and in good standing.
Current Colorado License to Practice Law is required.
No prior post‑bar attorney experience required; relevant internships, clinics, or clerkships are welcome.
Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to learn quickly, manage a high‑volume docket with supervision, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work successfully with caseworkers, the public, and members of the child welfare team
Foundational knowledge of evidence, civil procedure, and administrative process, with willingness to develop subject‑matter expertise in the Children’s Code and related areas.
Ability to draft clear motions and pleadings, conduct legal research, and present arguments under supervision.
Strong interpersonal communication and professionalism with courts, counsel, and agency staff.
Effective oral and written communication with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, and other professionals is required
Organizational skills to manage deadlines across a high‑volume docket and adapt to changing priorities.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing legal education.

Nice To Haves

Coursework, clinic, internship, or clerkship experience in juvenile law, family law, government, or litigation.
Moot court, mock trial, or trial practice experience.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to client communities.
Demonstrated commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

Provide legal services to the Mesa County Department of Human Services in dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, and administrative matters.
Draft and respond to motions, research legal issues, analyze cases, prepare cases for hearing, and present evidence including witness testimony at hearings and trials.
Help with training and partner with DHS caseworkers and provide daily legal advice to DHS.
Assist with appellate briefing to higher courts as assigned.
Other assigned duties may include providing legal services to County departments and the Board of Commissioners, including research, litigation, policy review, and general legal advice.
Under supervision, represent the Department in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions and pleadings, preparing for and litigating hearings and trials, and handling appeals as assigned.
Provide representation in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions, pleadings, appeals, and litigating hearings and trials.
Assist in representation for adult protection, mental health commitments, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters as assigned.
Provide representation in adult protection, mental health commitment, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters as assigned
Draft, file, and argue routine motions; conduct legal research and analysis; prepare witnesses and exhibits; and present evidence at hearings appropriate to experience level.
Draft and respond to motions, research legal issues, prepare cases for hearing, and present evidence including witness testimony at hearings.
Provide timely legal guidance to agency staff regarding case strategy, subpoenas, discovery, and compliance with applicable procedures.
Advise County staff on process and procedures relating to subpoenas and discovery requests.
Provide legal advice to DHS on a daily basis.
Participate in training and collaboration with caseworkers on the Children’s Code and related procedures, and assist in preparing cases for filing and prosecution.
Help with training DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code, prepare cases for filing, and prosecute dependency and neglect cases including preparing witnesses, exhibits, and presenting cases to court.
Communicate effectively with agency staff, court personnel, opposing counsel, and other professionals in writing and orally.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, co-workers and other professionals.
Maintain professional competence through ongoing continuing legal education and internal training.
Maintain professional competence by attending continuing legal education trainings.
Assist the County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys with assignments and special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.
Assist County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys as assigned and perform other related duties as assigned.