Senior Assistant Attorney General/Assistant Attorney General - NRE, Water Resources

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Water Resources Unit and Water Conservation Unit of the Natural Resources and Environment Section are seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for Colorado water law and an interest in the appropriation, adjudication, administration, and protection of surface and groundwater rights on behalf of the people of Colorado. This position offers a unique opportunity to work directly with leaders of state agencies, water users, and other stakeholders on complex legal matters affecting the beneficial use, administration, and protection of Colorado’s water supplies across the state’s river basins and aquifers. This attorney will work as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team of legal and technical professionals representing the Colorado Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board on significant and often complex water law matters. The Water Resources Unit represents and advises the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), which includes the Office of the State Engineer, the seven Division Engineers of Colorado’s seven Water Divisions (South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Gunnison, Colorado, Yampa/North Platte, and San Juan/Dolores Rivers), the Dam Safety Section, the Colorado Groundwater Commission, and the Colorado Board of Examiners of Water Well and Geothermal Heat Exchanger Contractors. The Water Conservation Unit represents and advises the Stream and Lake Protection Section of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the acquisition, adjudication, and protection of instream flow water rights. The Unit also advises other sections within the CWCB in implementation of their programs, as well as represents other state agencies in the adjudication and protection of water rights. The Assistant Attorney General will join a dedicated team of water attorneys and legal professionals working on behalf of the State of Colorado and its state agencies to defend the rule of law, protect the water resources of the State of Colorado, and to maximize the beneficial use of water for Colorado’s growth and prosperity. The attorney may be assigned to the Water Resources Unit, the Water Conservation Unit, or both, depending on operational needs.

Requirements

Qualified applicants must 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.
Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment.
Experience in civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work.
A genuine enthusiasm for water law
Experience with water court practice and negotiation and interpretation of water court decrees
Experience with reviewing water rights engineering and water rights accounting
Excellent writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
Keen attention to detail
Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities
Ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders
Ability to manage a significant caseload and work effectively in a fast-paced litigation environment
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of legal team
Desire and ability to be responsive and timely in all communications to clients and colleagues
Confidence to work with sophisticated clients, including engineers, hydrologists, and policy professionals
Eagerness to learn complex subject matter and develop expertise in water law
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity
Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the office
Sound judgment when working with high-level stakeholders, including knowing when to consult teammates and supervisors
A demonstrated commitment to public service, ethics and professional responsibility
For the Senior Assistant Attorney General position, a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment.
Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights.
Applicants should highlight in their cover letter any relevant experience, including any experience with including any experience i n civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work.
Applicants are also encouraged to describe their experience mentoring lawyers and staff.
More than ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment.
Experience serving as lead counsel in complex litigation, including developing litigation strategy, managing all phases of litigation, and successfully negotiating complex settlements.
Demonstrated subject matter expertise in the interpretation and application of Colorado's water laws.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, legal research, negotiation, and written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to resolve novel or high-profile legal issues.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage a complex and demanding caseload while balancing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and exercising sound professional judgment with minimal supervision.
Experience advising executive leadership, agency decision-makers, and technical professionals on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
Significant experience negotiating settlements, resolving disputes, and working collaboratively with opposing counsel, stakeholders, and governmental entities to achieve legally sound outcomes.
Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading attorneys and legal teams, including providing technical guidance, litigation strategy, or professional development.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and establish credibility with clients, agency leadership, technical experts, and external stakeholders.
Excellent judgment, professionalism, discretion, and political awareness when advising high-level stakeholders on matters involving significant legal, operational, or public policy implications.
Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and manage complex matters with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and the protection, administration, and responsible stewardship of Colorado's water resources.
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and client service.
Applicants must have three years' experience as a licensed attorney.
Be passionate and enthusiastic about having a career in water law.
Be willing to periodically travel within the State.
Experience with Colorado water court practice and negotiation of complex water court decrees, including drafting pleadings, motions, and proposed decrees
Interest in and passion for Colorado water law and history
Demonstrated interest in public service
Experience drafting or contributing to dispositive or complex motions, such as Rule56 motions in Colorado water court proceedings
Experience advising clients on issues related to water management, accounting, and planning for raw water resources
Experience supporting rule making processes or administrative proceedings
Interest in or experience with mentoring others or successfully leading teams in a legal setting
Knowledge of legal ethics rules, regulations, and best practices

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring lawyers and staff.
Experience serving as lead counsel in complex litigation, including developing litigation strategy, managing all phases of litigation, and successfully negotiating complex settlements.
Demonstrated subject matter expertise in the interpretation and application of Colorado's water laws.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, legal research, negotiation, and written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to resolve novel or high-profile legal issues.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage a complex and demanding caseload while balancing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and exercising sound professional judgment with minimal supervision.
Experience advising executive leadership, agency decision-makers, and technical professionals on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
Significant experience negotiating settlements, resolving disputes, and working collaboratively with opposing counsel, stakeholders, and governmental entities to achieve legally sound outcomes.
Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading attorneys and legal teams, including providing technical guidance, litigation strategy, or professional development.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and establish credibility with clients, agency leadership, technical experts, and external stakeholders.
Excellent judgment, professionalism, discretion, and political awareness when advising high-level stakeholders on matters involving significant legal, operational, or public policy implications.
Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and manage complex matters with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and the protection, administration, and responsible stewardship of Colorado's water resources.
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and client service.
Experience with Colorado water court practice and negotiation of complex water court decrees, including drafting pleadings, motions, and proposed decrees
Interest in and passion for Colorado water law and history
Demonstrated interest in public service
Experience drafting or contributing to dispositive or complex motions, such as Rule56 motions in Colorado water court proceedings
Experience advising clients on issues related to water management, accounting, and planning for raw water resources
Experience supporting rule making processes or administrative proceedings
Interest in or experience with mentoring others or successfully leading teams in a legal setting
Knowledge of legal ethics rules, regulations, and best practices

Responsibilities

Represents State Agencies in Water Rights and Water Use Litigation: Represents the Colorado Division of Water Resources, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and other state agencies in water court, state and federal courts, and administrative proceedings involving water rights, well permits, and water resource management.
Litigates matters involving applications for new water rights, changes of water rights, plans for augmentation, exchanges, enforcement actions, and other proceedings under Colorado's Water Right Determination and Administration Act.
Handles appeals of water court decisions, final agency actions, and other judicial proceedings involving water law.
Develops litigation strategy, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings, motions, briefs, settlement agreements, and appellate filings, and appears in state court on behalf of state agencies.
Provide Legal Counsel and Regulatory Advice: Advises agency leadership and staff regarding the interpretation and application of Colorado water law, administrative law, and related statutes affecting surface and ground water administration and allocation.
Provides legal advice concerning water rights administration, decree interpretation, rulemaking, administrative procedures, the Colorado Open Records Act, the Colorado Open Meetings Law, and other legal issues affecting agency operations and decisions.
Reviews proposed legislation, regulations, contracts, and policies to assess legal implications and provide recommendations.
Represent Clients in Administrative Proceedings: Represents clients before administrative tribunals and boards involving well permit issuances and denials, enforcement actions, rulemaking proceedings, agency appeals, and other matters affecting water use and water rights administration.
Advises agencies throughout administrative proceedings, prepares legal memoranda and proposed orders, and represents agency positions during hearings and public meetings.
Protect Colorado's Water Resources: Represents the Colorado Water Conservation Board in the acquisition, adjudication, administration, and protection of instream flow and natural lake level water rights.
Provides legal support to agency programs involving flood mitigation, water conservation, and water project financing.
Collaborates with attorneys, engineers, hydrologists, and other technical experts to protect the State's water resources and promote the beneficial use of water consistent with Colorado law.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Client Representation: Serves as legal counsel to agency leadership by providing practical legal advice, developing litigation and regulatory strategies, and presenting legal recommendations.
Collaborates with state agencies, local governments, water users, federal agencies, attorneys, and other stakeholders to resolve complex water law issues and advance the State's interests.
Represents the Department and client agencies during public meetings, stakeholder discussions, legislative hearings, and professional conferences, as appropriate.

Benefits

Competitive medical, dental and vision 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 an 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.