Chief Deputy City Attorney

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Deputy City Attorney serves as the City Attorney’s right-hand person and the operational leader of the City Attorney’s Office - Civil Division. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management, strategic direction, and operational excellence, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality legal services to the City leadership and departments. Acting as the City Attorney’s right hand, the Chief Deputy City Attorney oversees attorney and administrative staff, manages performance and discipline, leads cultural and operational change initiatives, and ensures collaboration across legal practice areas. The role also serves as a primary backup to the City Attorney, including representing the office at City Council meetings and engaging directly with City Council when the City Attorney is unavailable. The Chief Deputy City Attorney will oversee the Civil Division, which is comprised of 34 FTEs and an FY26 operating budget of $6,417,761. The position has direct oversight of the City’s in-house litigation team, consisting of eight litigators who handle approximately 90% of all City lawsuits internally. The Chief Deputy City Attorney plays a critical role in risk evaluation, litigation strategy, and high-profile or sensitive legal matters.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Must be licensed as an attorney and counselor at law in Colorado by the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel
Ten (10) years' experience in the active practice of law
Must be a member, in good standing, of the Colorado Bar Association
Advanced principles of municipal, civil, administrative, and constitutional law as they pertain to local government operations
Public sector management, including personnel law, labor relations, and strategic planning
Ethical standards and professional responsibilities applicable to public attorneys and legal staff
Budget development, departmental operations, and performance management in a public law office
Thorough knowledge of the Colorado Revised Statutes, as pertinent to city government, Rules of Evidence, the Aurora Municipal Code, local court rules and Colorado Municipal Court Rules of Procedure
Utilizes knowledges and abilities obtained through law school education and municipal, governmental or private experience to conduct research, provide legal counsel to City staff, draft legal documents and lead and/or participate in litigation and prosecute cases
Utilizes knowledge of municipal procedures, organizational frameworks, administrative policies, trial procedure, etc., to carry out assigned duties
Substantial skill in pleadings practice
Providing clear, strategic, and legally sound advice under pressure
Leading complex legal teams through high-stakes or sensitive matters and motivating perseverance for daily courtroom/litigation duties
Interpreting and applying complex legal and policy frameworks to real-world government operations
Developing strong working relationships across diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, department directors, and community partners
Strong interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, mediation, and fostering collaboration within a multidisciplinary team
Strong Leadership capabilities to build, manage and mentor effective teams, including sound judgement
Collaborative, supportive, non-political with the ability to effectively build relationships and manage conflict
Up-to-date legal knowledge, excellent problem solving, negotiating and communication skills
Ability to effectively prosecute violators of municipal ordinances
Exercise sound legal and managerial judgment in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments
Interview, supervise, coach, train, and develop attorneys and support staff with varying experience levels
Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and independence while representing the City’s interests
Translate legal principles into practical guidance for policymakers and operational staff
Promote equity, transparency, and continuous improvement in public service delivery
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with City employees, officials and the general public
Integrity, alignment with CAO vision and goal, “does what it takes" to get the job done, learning agility
Accountability for own performance and consistently delivering strong results; strong focus on client needs and approachability

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three (3) years of people management or mentoring experience

Responsibilities

Act as a Leader of Change by proactively supporting and implementing the culture change strategy within their team
Continuously challenge the status quo of how to conduct business with clients and - together with their team- develop solutions to improve productivity and client satisfaction
Lead and develop direct reports by providing regular coaching and feedback on performance and work product (i.e., ordinances, resolutions, contracts and legal opinions), as well as regular training and developmental learning opportunities
Set clear objectives and action plans for and with direct reports
Establish accountability through regular performance review meetings
Address employee performance deficiencies with high sense of urgency in order to drive results
Implement disciplinary actions as needed
Foster teamwork through regular team meetings, sharing best practices, peer coaching and solving legal issues affecting the team's clients
Keep City Attorney informed and involved as needed on critical legal issues and decisions affecting the City
Perform duties as an Assistant City Attorney by providing legal services and advice to members of the Client Group(s) as assigned; this may include litigation, preparation of legal documents and opinions, general advice and review of client policies
Supervision of 25 or more attorneys and administrative staff
Serve as a strategic advisor to the City Attorney on legal, operational, and policy matters and posses the ability to fulfill the role and responsibilities of supervision and interaction with the City Council when the City Attorney is unavailable
Oversee the development, implementation, and review of department policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure legal compliance and professional excellence
Review and assign complex legal matters, ensuring equitable distribution of work and alignment with attorney expertise and departmental priorities
Lead and mentor supervising attorneys and administrative supervisors to develop leadership capacity and promote a culture of accountability, inclusion, and professional development
Evaluate risk and provide strategic legal counsel on high-profile or sensitive matters, including litigation, contracts, ordinances, and personnel decisions
Performs other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Attractive benefit package
Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
Growing city and employee population
Rich benefits package with low employee costs
Generous paid leave program
100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program
Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available
Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs
Continued education and career advancement opportunities