First Assistant Attorney General; Public Officials

Overview

Find a rewarding career making a difference:
Join the Office of the Attorney General! The State Services Section is seeking a First Assistant Attorney General to lead its Public Officials Unit in advancing the public interest through high-impact civil litigation. The unit advises and represents statewide elected and appointed officials, as well as state agencies, boards, and commissions, in matters that frequently involve public policy issues of statewide and national importance.

This position offers an opportunity to provide strategic leadership and mentorship to a team of dedicated attorneys while overseeing complex civil litigation involving novel legal issues and significant public policy matters with lasting implications for the State and its citizens.

Who We Are The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General serves as the State's chief legal representative and legal counsel to state executive and judicial agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. Our vision is to serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting democracy, and promoting justice for all. Our core values include diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a commitment to principled public service.

Description Of Job The Public Officials Unit counsels and represents Colorado's statewide elected officials (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer), as well as the Judicial Department and several of its sub-offices, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the State Auditor. This unit regularly handles challenging public policy litigation, including constitutional challenges to Colorado law, such as gun control legislation.

Salary Note The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. 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.

• The First Assistant Attorney General is one of the most important roles in our office. You will guide the Unit in delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal services to clients, supervise employees while carrying an independent workload, and oversee litigation of major cases and general counsel work.
• Hire staff and attorneys, conduct regular performance meetings and evaluations, handle discipline and HR issues, maintain and develop client relationships, coordinate workflow, supervise Special Assistant Attorneys General, and draft reports for the Department of Law.
• Advise senior leadership on pending issues of public interest; provide strategic legal counsel and leadership for the representation of elected officials and senior leadership within state government.
• Exercise independent legal judgment in matters involving constitutional authority, statutory interpretation, and intergovernmental relations; guide teams in balancing zealous, professional representation with the Attorney General’s duty to the constitution and the public interest.
• Model collaborative leadership by working with elected officials, agency leadership, and internal stakeholders to deliver candid legal advice, assess legal risk, and ensure nonpartisan representation across administrations.
• Inspire, coach, and support your team to fulfill the Department of Law's mission of protecting the rule of law and ensuring justice for Coloradans.

Salary Note (reiterated for emphasis):
Salary will be set commensurate with qualifications and in compliance with applicable laws.

The strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies:

• Litigation Leadership & First-Chair Experience – substantial first-chair litigation experience in complex, high-stakes matters; leads trial teams with confidence and accountability.
• Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence – effective with the public, colleagues, and staff.
• Communication & Listening – active listening and clear communication with the public, leadership,…