Senior Assistant Attorney General/Assistant Attorney General - Employment Law Defense Unit

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

2d•$112,564 - $150,556

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Law’s Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section is establishing a new Employment Law Defense Unit to defend state agencies, institutions of higher education, and public employees in state and federal employment litigation. The Unit will provide centralized strategy and accountability for this practice while collaborating with other Department units and affiliated attorneys. Its matters may involve federal and state employment statutes, constitutional and civil-rights claims, and related contract and tort theories, from pre-suit assessment through discovery, motions, trial, appeal, and settlement. The Senior Assistant Attorney General will serve as a senior lead litigator and mentor, managing a meaningful portfolio and leading or supporting complex, high-risk, high-profile, or novel cases. The role combines hands-on litigation, strategic case leadership, client counseling, team leadership, mentoring, and practice development. The attorney will help establish consistent statewide litigation practices and resources and contribute to the culture and systems of the new Unit. The position is non-classified and offers flexible work arrangements, which may change based on business needs. The Senior AAG salary range is $112,564 to $150,556 annually, with compensation set according to qualifications and the Department’s wage progression model. Applicants must meet the Senior AAG requirement of at least ten years as a licensed attorney, with employment-litigation subject-matter expertise and substantial state and/or federal court practice. Applicants must also be admitted to the Colorado Bar or clearly eligible to waive in, and must be in good standing at application. Appointment is contingent on passing a background investigation.

Requirements

Be admitted to the Colorado Bar or 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 must submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment.
Have at least ten years as a licensed attorney, with employment-litigation subject-matter expertise and substantial practice in state and/or federal court, for appointment as Senior Assistant Attorney General.
Have employment litigation experience and substantial practice in state and/or federal court; the announcement’s general minimum qualification is three or more years.
Demonstrate experience independently developing litigation strategy and handling major phases of complex civil litigation, including discovery, dispositive motions, settlement, and trial or evidentiary hearings.
Demonstrate strong legal analysis, judgment, research, writing, oral advocacy, negotiation, organization, and time-management skills.
Demonstrate interpersonal and client-service skills to build trust, communicate candidly, and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and professional staff.
Submit a cover letter, resume, at least one writing sample, and three professional references.
Pass a thorough background investigation before appointment.
Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar must provide proof of their completed application and Practice Pending Admission application before employment begins.
Complete the required online application and provide the required application materials through its Attachments feature.

Nice To Haves

First-chair or comparable lead responsibility in complex employment or civil litigation.
Experience representing governmental entities, public institutions, or public officials and employees.
Knowledge of public-sector employment, governmental immunity, the Colorado state personnel system, or state risk-management and settlement processes.
Experience managing a substantial litigation portfolio and communicating risk and strategy to senior or high-level stakeholders.
Experience leading litigation teams and mentoring or coaching attorneys and professional staff.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, accountable, and respectful work environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead counsel in complex employment cases and handle matters through pre-suit assessment, investigation, pleadings, discovery, expert work, dispositive motions, trial, appeal, and settlement.
Defend claims under federal and state employment statutes and related contract, constitutional, and tort theories.
Develop early case assessments, litigation plans, staffing recommendations, discovery strategies, risk analyses, and client-communication plans.
Advise client representatives candidly and strategically about litigation risk, settlement, institutional impact, and early-resolution opportunities.
Lead or support high-risk, high-profile, novel, or especially complex matters, including matters requiring coordination with Department leadership, the Governor’s Office, Risk Management, the State Controller, or outside counsel.
Promote consistent litigation positions, efficient practices, and high-quality written and oral advocacy across the State’s employment-defense portfolio.
Lead litigation teams by establishing roles, strategy, deadlines, and expectations and reviewing written work and advocacy.
Mentor and coach attorneys and professional staff and provide opportunities for professional growth through active case work.
Support development of templates, playbooks, training, metrics, and other resources to improve consistency, efficiency, knowledge sharing, and practice excellence.
Partner with the Employment Practices and Civil Rights Unit and other counsel to connect litigation lessons with preventive advice, training, and improved employment practices.

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.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Free access to an on-site fitness center.
Flexible work schedules and other work-life programs.
Professional development opportunities and training.
Employee discount program.
Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program.
Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues.
Access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University, and other entities.