Senior Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

About The Position

The Senior Deputy District Attorney plans, organizes, and directs the operations and day-to-day activities of the Office, including the Appellate Unit. The role addresses policy and procedural changes affecting division and departmental operations, reviews appellate and complex legal issues affecting the 4th Judicial District, and communicates with prosecutors and the District Attorney. It monitors appellate cases and dockets, reviews cases with prosecutors, confers with law enforcement when needed, and trains staff attorneys and peace officers. The position manages and develops Deputy District Attorneys assigned to the Appellate Unit, oversees their work and performance, and helps maintain effective personnel practices. It establishes and updates procedures and standards for appeals and post-conviction matters, coordinates ongoing attorney training, and cultivates professional working relationships with trial courts, appellate courts, and court reporters. The role also performs legal research and drafts and reviews appellate and post-conviction briefs, responds to public and media inquiries, and supports hiring Deputy District Attorneys. It receives minimal direction and operates within broad organizational parameters.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admission to and good standing with the Colorado Bar.
Five years of experience as a felony-level prosecutor and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Must meet all benchmarks for DDA I, II, III, and IV.
Must adhere to ethical and professional standards.
Must be licensed to practice law in Colorado.
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Colorado criminal law; working knowledge of rules, regulations, and protocols of the various divisions of the District and County courts.
Knowledge of constitutional law, substantive criminal law, procedural criminal law, and laws relevant to appellate research and writing.
Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems; listen to and consider diverse viewpoints; and communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, law enforcement agencies, and government officials.
Ability to conduct criminal trials and present and effectively argue legal and factual issues in court.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal opinions, professional journals, and statutes; write and respond to opinions, motions, briefs, and correspondence.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from judges, jurors, defense counsel, witnesses, victims, law enforcement, and the public.
Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines; organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
Ability to direct, review, and objectively evaluate staff work; prepare clear and concise reports and written materials; and identify issues, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions through research and analysis.
Proficient use of computers, software applications, and audio and video presentations.

Nice To Haves

A secondary language is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of Deputy District Attorneys in the Appellate Unit, including training, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, and making recommendations related to rewards and discipline.
Mentor, motivate, and train division deputies; develop newer attorneys’ skills and address personnel issues with guidance from senior leadership.
Conduct staff performance evaluations and develop performance plans when necessary.
Plan, organize, and direct the operations and activities of the Office’s units.
Meet with team members to strategize on best practices, improve efficiency, and encourage open communication.
Define, develop, review, update, and enforce procedures, policies, standards, and guides for appeals and post-conviction matters, including adapting them to new legislation.
Maintain professional working relationships and contacts with trial courts, appellate courts, and court reporters.
Coordinate attorney training needs with the Chief Deputy District Attorney and encourage participation in training opportunities.
Perform legal research and draft and review appellate and post-conviction briefs in a timely manner.
Respond to public and media inquiries about Office operations and keep the Chief Communications Officer informed about high-profile or media-interest cases.
Assist the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney with hiring Deputy District Attorneys.
Monitor and track cases and dockets involving appellate matters of the District Attorney.
Review appellate or complex legal issues affecting the 4th Judicial District and communicate with prosecutors and/or the District Attorney.
Discuss and review cases with prosecutors and confer with law enforcement personnel when required.
Train staff attorneys and peace officers.
Perform other duties as required.