Deputy Legal Counsel

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel is seeking a talented, motivated, and experienced attorney committed to working with the Governor to further a Colorado for All. We provide legal advice and analysis to the Governor, the Governor’s Office, and his cabinet in areas of legal complexity and importance. The attorneys in the office play key roles in legislative bill review and engagement, policy research and development, drafting of executive orders, judicial appointments at all levels of Colorado courts, granting of clemency, media responses, and designing and implementing strategic policies and goals. Further, we represent the Governor in discussions with stakeholders and elected officials, advocate for the Governor’s agenda and policy objectives, and work with the Office of the Attorney General to manage litigation involving the state, the Governor, and agencies. The Deputy Legal Counsel will become part of our eight-member team of six attorneys, a paralegal, and an executive assistant that work together to support the Governor. You will have the opportunity to advise the Governor, the Governor’s Office, and agencies on legal and policy challenges facing the administration, develop creative solutions to complex problems, and work in a fast-paced environment committed to making a positive impact in our state. On any given day, your work could touch criminal law, health care, education, the economy, energy, natural resources, ethics, and other topics. Each of the five Deputy Legal Counsels has a portfolio of agencies and legal subject matter, but the entire team works collaboratively to address and resolve legal issues. You will use your research and analysis skills to evaluate complex laws, case law, and legal principles to provide actionable advice - sometimes within hours. You will use written and oral communication to convey legal opinions and options, engage with stakeholders, and represent the Governor. If you are ready to be bold, consistent, and joyful in service to Coloradans, we welcome your application.

Requirements

Be admitted to a state bar and in good standing with the respective state bar at the time of application.
Experience advising organizational leaders, and demonstrated ability to advise on complex matters.
Commitment to public service and Colorado.
Excellent research, writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to be both consultative and persuasive.
Curiosity to learn new areas of the law, and experience in critical and creative thinking.
A strong work ethic, ability to manage several diverse projects simultaneously, and comfortable with successfully completing projects on short timelines.
Experience working in government or politics.
Strong people skills, including experience working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in diverse communities and ensuring a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.
Must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
Must reside in Colorado once employed.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and analysis to the Governor, the Governor’s Office, and his cabinet.
Conduct legislative bill review and engagement.
Perform policy research and development.
Draft executive orders.
Handle judicial appointments at all levels of Colorado courts.
Grant clemency.
Respond to media inquiries.
Design and implement strategic policies and goals.
Represent the Governor in discussions with stakeholders and elected officials.
Advocate for the Governor’s agenda and policy objectives.
Work with the Office of the Attorney General to manage litigation involving the state, the Governor, and agencies.
Advise agencies on legal and policy challenges facing the administration.
Develop creative solutions to complex problems.
Evaluate complex laws, case law, and legal principles to provide actionable advice.
Convey legal opinions and options through written and oral communication.
Engage with stakeholders.
Represent the Governor.