Entry Level Assistant City Attorney – Civil Litigation

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

10d • $95,000 - $114,790 • Onsite

About The Position

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. The City Attorney’s Office serves as the chief legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Auditor, City Clerk and Recorder, and all City agencies. Its responsibilities include handling city lawsuits, prosecuting ordinance violations, providing victim support in criminal cases, representing the city in investigations and litigation, advising on contractual and transactional matters, offering regulatory and compliance assistance, addressing employment matters for the city's more than 12,000 workers, and providing guidance on local, state, and federal law. With a team of over 250 individuals, the City Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting resident welfare, enhancing neighborhood quality of life, and responsibly managing taxpayer funds. As advocates for effective governance, transparency, and accountability, the office empowers the city to do its work and prioritizes ethical conduct in all city operations. Whether working with city agencies, engaging community stakeholders, or collaborating with external legal counsel, the office leverages its collective expertise to navigate complex legal challenges and advance key city priorities. The Denver City Attorney's Office is seeking an Entry - Level Assistant City Attorney to join the Civil Litigation Section of the Department of Law. This position involves providing legal counsel to City officials and employees, as well as representing the City in the defense of civil lawsuits in both trial and appellate courts. We are looking for a motivated entry-level attorney, preferably with some prior experience in civil litigation. The Civil Litigation Section handles personal injury and property damage claims, as well as tort, civil rights and constitutional claims brought against agencies, employees and officials of the City and County of Denver. The attorneys in this unit regularly appear in state and federal trial and appellate courts.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in state and/or federal court litigation, including:
• Personal injury claims
• Property damage claims
• Tort claims
• Civil rights claims
• Constitutional claims
• Strong research and written and oral advocacy skills
• Education requirement: Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree or Bachelor of Law Degree
• Experience Requirement: None
• Education/Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted
• License/Certifications: 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

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for litigation and represents the City in those proceedings
• Provides legal advice
• Performs legal research and assists with research of more complex legal issues, under the supervision of more experienced attorneys
• Assists attorneys working in specialized areas with litigation, research and related activities
• Drafts motions, briefs and pleadings
• Drafts and responds to discovery
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested

Benefits

• The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The expected starting salary range for this position is $95,000.00 - $114,790.00, a year based on education and experience.
• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1st month of start date
• Care Bank – 8 weeks of Paid Family Leave (after the probation period is passed)
• Free RTD Eco Pass

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree