Senior Assistant City Attorney (Child Welfare and Youth Services)
About The Position
The Denver City Attorney’s Office is seeking a Senior Assistant City Attorney to join the Child Welfare and Youth Services Unit within the Human Services Legal Section. Denver Human Services (DHS) is committed to promoting the protection, independence, and stability of Denver residents. As a county‑administered, state‑supervised agency with nearly 1,100 employees and an approximate $300 million annual operation, DHS provides a broad range of essential services. Each year, the agency supports roughly 175,000 people including children and families in crisis, older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, adults with disabilities, and others in need. DHS works to connect clients with financial, social, and community resources that help them build safer, healthier lives. This is a chance to take on meaningful, high‑impact legal work that directly shapes outcomes for children, youth, and families across Denver. As part of the team that serves as in‑house counsel to Denver Human Services (DHS), an agency that supports one in every three Denver residents, you will play a vital role in advancing the wellbeing and safety of the community’s most vulnerable populations. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work on challenging, visible, and rewarding cases on behalf of a major public agency.
Requirements
- Doctor of Jurisprudence degree or Bachelor of Laws degree.
- Three (3) years of experience as an attorney at law.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Robust experience handling Dependency and Neglect cases.
- Deep expertise in juvenile law.
- Strong litigation skills and confidence in the courtroom.
- Appellate experience in juvenile matters.
- Experience advising agencies on regulations, policies, and operational procedures.
- Excellent judgment and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive issues.
- Mediation experience and/or a mediation certificate.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or guiding less‑experienced attorneys.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and collaborative skill.
- A clear commitment to public service and community impact.
- Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Experience working in youth‑focused programs or services.
- An undergraduate degree or minor in Social Work, Juvenile Justice, Sociology, Political Science, or a related field.
- Background experience with neighborhood‑based or restorative justice programs.
- Experience with programs affiliated with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).
Responsibilities
- Provide legal consultation and representation to Denver Human Services social workers, administrators, and staff throughout all stages of Dependency and Neglect litigation in state trial and appellate courts.
- Prepare and support social workers involved in Juvenile Delinquency proceedings, including appearances in Denver Juvenile Court and other Colorado District Courts; drafting motions and pleadings; conducting discovery; representing the City in hearings; and handling associated appellate briefing and oral argument.
- Regularly appear in state courts, including Denver Juvenile Court, advocating on behalf of Denver Human Services in juvenile law matters.
- Participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary meetings and work closely with interdisciplinary partners and stakeholders to inform critical decisions and develop effective recommendations impacting the treatment, placement, and support of families, children, and youth.
- Negotiate and draft settlement agreements and other legal documents essential to case resolution.
- Draft high-quality memoranda, motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents for judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.
- Conduct legal research and provide thoughtful analysis, guidance, feedback, and legal advice to colleagues and Denver Human Services personnel.
- Apply advanced knowledge and experience in Juvenile Law to support, guide, and strengthen Denver Human Services' mission and legal objectives.
- Assist attorneys working in specialized practice areas by supporting litigation, legal research, and related legal activities.
- Serve as a lead attorney when assigned, providing case leadership, coordination, mentorship, coaching, and professional development support to junior attorneys.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and effectiveness of the Human Services Legal Services Section.
Benefits
- A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
- 457B Retirement Plan
- 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
- Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
