ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY I - DHS

Mesa County, CO•St. George, UT

3d•$7,528 - $8,598•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant County Attorney I provides entry-level legal services to the Mesa County Department of Human Services (DHS), under close supervision. The role handles matters involving dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, and related administrative issues. The attorney works with DHS caseworkers and agency staff to support effective and timely case outcomes that protect public safety and promote child and family well-being. The position involves preparing and litigating cases, drafting and responding to motions and pleadings, conducting legal research and analysis, preparing witnesses and exhibits, and presenting evidence at hearings and trials. It also provides daily legal advice to DHS, including guidance on case strategy, subpoenas, discovery, and applicable procedures; supports training for caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code; and assists with appellate briefing and appeals as assigned. Other assignments may include legal services for County departments and the Board of Commissioners, such as research, litigation, policy review, and general legal advice. The position is based in a professional office and courtroom environment, with regular in-person court appearances, meetings, and deadlines. It requires effective communication with agency staff, court personnel, judges, opposing counsel, coworkers, and other professionals, as well as ongoing continuing legal education and internal training.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado and in good standing; a current Colorado license is required.
Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to learn quickly, manage a high-volume docket under 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 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.
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

Litigation experience is preferred.
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.
Relevant internships, clinics, or clerkships are welcome.

Responsibilities

Represent the Department in dependency and neglect matters, including drafting motions and pleadings, preparing for and litigating hearings and trials, and handling appeals as assigned.
Assist with representation in adult protection, mental health commitments, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters.
Draft, file, and argue routine motions; conduct legal research and analysis; prepare cases, witnesses, and exhibits; and present evidence at hearings and trials appropriate to experience level.
Provide timely legal guidance to DHS staff on case strategy, subpoenas, discovery, and compliance with applicable procedures.
Train and collaborate with DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code and related procedures; help prepare cases for filing and prosecution.
Communicate orally and in writing with DHS staff, court personnel, judges, opposing counsel, coworkers, and other professionals.
Maintain professional competence through continuing legal education and internal training.
Assist the County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys with assignments and special projects, and perform other related duties as assigned.
As assigned, provide legal services to County departments and the Board of Commissioners, including research, litigation, policy review, and general legal advice.