Second Assistant Attorney General (Employment Practices & Civil Rights Unit)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Civil Litigation and Employment Section has a unique leadership opportunity for an experienced attorney with a passion for employment and labor law in the Employment Practices and Civil Rights Unit. This position serves in a unique role as a working-manager who oversees a collaborative team of paralegal and attorney staff. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with various state agencies and institutions of higher education on unique labor and state personnel issues and to form lasting and rewarding client relationships in a position with frequent client interaction. The attorney will serve as an advisor and litigator focusing primarily on employment and labor work, with some civil rights work, based on unit and client needs. This dynamic group is looking for a person interested in employment and labor law who also has a passion for mentoring and professional development of team members. Applications for this position will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted prior to the job closing. We encourage you submit your application early if possible. The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer.” The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.” Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General’s Office here . The Second Assistant Attorney General works closely with the Unit’s two other Second Assistant Attorneys General and the Unit’s First Assistant Attorney General to manage the Unit’s workflow, streamline advice and litigation matters, and implement processes and protocols that ensure high quality, consistent work product and client services. The role also provides leadership and supervision to teams of attorneys and paralegals. This position focuses primarily on employment and labor law, the state personnel system, and civil rights matters. It serves as the primary point of contact for client agencies and institutions of higher education on employment-related advice and litigation. This vacancy offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development. The Second Assistant Attorney General will work closely with the Unit’s First Assistant Attorney General to oversee key administrative functions, supervise a team (pod) of attorneys and paralegals, provide leadership and coaching, and manage the Unit’s workflow to ensure consistent, high-quality work product and client services. Duties include: Client Services Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client agencies and institutions of higher education, as determined in consultation with the First Assistant AG. Maintain regular communication with these clients to build strong relationships and develop subject-matter expertise in their personnel-related needs. Consult with Unit attorneys and paralegals on advice and litigation matters involving assigned clients. Provide support and guidance to the paralegal managing the Unit’s employment advice inbox, including assisting with the review of incoming advice requests and helping to assign matters to attorneys based on capacity, experience, and interest. Provide oversight of advice matters and litigation before the State Personnel Board, matters arising out of the collective bargaining agreement with the state’s classified union, and state and federal court litigation. Promote collaboration and consistency across the Unit by engaging in cross-pod coordination. Unit Leadership Provide assistance and support to the First AAG on an as-needed basis, including matters involving unit operations, work performed by third parties and outside counsel, and advice matters and policy work. Identify high-risk and complex litigation and provide appropriate supervision, support, and co-counsel as necessary. Develop, implement, and maintain formal onboarding programs and ongoing training practices for attorneys and professional staff. Collaborate with the First AAG and the other Second AAGs to develop and manage a centralized database of resources, including experts Working closely with the First AAG, the other Second AAGs, the Unit’s professional staff, leadership within the Civil Litigation and Employment Law, the Section Litigation Manager, and other Department of Law personnel to develop templates, systems, and processes that enhance efficiency, streamline litigation, enhance client services, and promote practice excellence. Provide quality-control assistance to the First AAG and the other Second AAGs through substantive review of attorney work product. Provide guidance, strategic advice, feedback, and general litigation support to attorneys and paralegals across the Unit as necessary. Assist the First AAG and other Second AAGs in identifying trends, issues, and opportunities related to the Unit’s operations, management, and legal practice. Individual Support & Coaching Maintain a broad yet substantive understanding of each pod member’s caseload, track pending cases and matters, and support pod members in effectively and successfully managing their work. Provide coaching and support to the pod while identifying opportunities for growth and development. Promote continuous improvement of individual and pod-level work product, practice skills, teamwork, collaboration, and performance. Organize regular pod meetings and work individually with attorneys and paralegals to: (1) monitor case progress, (2) ensure deadlines are met, 3) identify opportunities to improve case management and general practice, (4) determine whether additional resources are needed, and (5) provide support tailored to each attorney and paralegal’s needs and goals. Work with the First AAG and other Second AAGs to monitor attorney and paralegal case loads. Collaborate with the First AAG and other Second AAGs to provide guidance in litigation and advice matters and assist in developing litigation plans as necessary. Manage the progression of cases and ensure that critical deadlines are met. The Department of Law may fill additional attorney positions from this recruitment. Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Requirements

Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application.
Possess at least five (5) years of relevant experience as a practicing attorney.
Experience either supervising, leading, or mentoring other legal staff, including attorneys and paralegals.

Nice To Haves

Prior management or supervisory experience leading a diverse workforce.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a leader.
Knowledge of the state personnel system.
Outstanding writing, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with a variety and diversity of personalities.
Ability to lead with empathy and be a big-picture problem solver.
Commitment to serving the public interest and/or have prior public sector or public service experience.
Ability to model strong leadership and professionalism skills.
Strong organizational and client management skills.
Demonstrated experience litigating complex cases.
Ability to recognize critical issues and when to elevate those issues.
Litigation, general counsel, or other legal experience with substantial depth in administrative, labor, or employment law.

Responsibilities

Oversee key administrative functions, supervise a team (pod) of attorneys and paralegals, provide leadership and coaching, and manage the Unit’s workflow to ensure consistent, high-quality work product and client services.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client agencies and institutions of higher education.
Maintain regular communication with clients to build strong relationships and develop subject-matter expertise in their personnel-related needs.
Consult with Unit attorneys and paralegals on advice and litigation matters involving assigned clients.
Provide support and guidance to the paralegal managing the Unit’s employment advice inbox.
Provide oversight of advice matters and litigation before the State Personnel Board, matters arising out of the collective bargaining agreement with the state’s classified union, and state and federal court litigation.
Promote collaboration and consistency across the Unit by engaging in cross-pod coordination.
Provide assistance and support to the First AAG on an as-needed basis.
Identify high-risk and complex litigation and provide appropriate supervision, support, and co-counsel as necessary.
Develop, implement, and maintain formal onboarding programs and ongoing training practices for attorneys and professional staff.
Collaborate to develop and manage a centralized database of resources.
Develop templates, systems, and processes that enhance efficiency, streamline litigation, enhance client services, and promote practice excellence.
Provide quality-control assistance through substantive review of attorney work product.
Provide guidance, strategic advice, feedback, and general litigation support to attorneys and paralegals.
Assist in identifying trends, issues, and opportunities related to the Unit’s operations, management, and legal practice.
Maintain a broad yet substantive understanding of each pod member’s caseload, track pending cases and matters, and support pod members in effectively and successfully managing their work.
Provide coaching and support to the pod while identifying opportunities for growth and development.
Promote continuous improvement of individual and pod-level work product, practice skills, teamwork, collaboration, and performance.
Organize regular pod meetings and work individually with attorneys and paralegals to monitor case progress, ensure deadlines are met, identify opportunities to improve case management and general practice, determine whether additional resources are needed, and provide support tailored to each attorney and paralegal’s needs and goals.
Monitor attorney and paralegal case loads.
Provide guidance in litigation and advice matters and assist in developing litigation plans as necessary.
Manage the progression of cases and ensure that critical deadlines are met.

Benefits

Competitive medical and dental health plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Paid holidays
Retirement plans with Colorado PERA
Vacation and sick leave earned each month
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules
Professional development opportunities
Employee discount program
Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.