Attorney Fellowship - Denver's Attorney's Office

About Our Job

The City Attorney’s Office serves as the chief legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Auditor, City Clerk and Recorder, and all City agencies. Its responsibilities include handling city lawsuits, prosecuting ordinance violations, providing victim support in criminal cases, representing the city in investigations and litigation, advising on contractual and transactional matters, offering regulatory and compliance assistance, addressing employment matters for the city's more than 12,000 workers, and providing guidance on local, state, and federal law.

With a team of over 210 individuals, the City Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting resident welfare, enhancing neighborhood quality of life, and responsibly managing taxpayer funds. As advocates for effective governance, transparency, and accountability, the office empowers the city to do its work and prioritizes ethical conduct in all city operations. Whether working with city agencies, engaging community stakeholders, or collaborating with external legal counsel, the office leverages its collective expertise to navigate complex legal challenges and advance key city priorities.

This is an on-call position, which means it is a part-time, hourly role. Fellows have standard compensation of $30 per hour or $60,000 over a 12-month period. Fellows do not receive health benefits or other benefits. Fellows can take advantage of Denver’s Summit Savings plan, a voluntary retirement plan similar to a 401(k) but known in the Internal Revenue Code as a 457(b) for government employees.

The Denver City Attorney’s Office supports a hybrid model workplace where employees work where needed in a city site or telecommute remotely within the State of Colorado. Telecommuting allows employees to work three (3) days per work week in their designated City building or other authorized City location and two (2) days per work week at an alternate location (i.e., work from home).

The Denver City Attorney’s Office is offering a one-year fellowship opportunity starting September 1, 2026. Fellows will work between 35 and 39 hours per week and may serve in the following divisions, with reasonable flexibility to explore and transition into long-term employment.

• The Civil Litigation Section represents the City and County of Denver, its officials, employees, departments, and agencies in lawsuits filed in Colorado state and federal courts. This includes defending civil rights, personal injury, and property damage claims. The Section works across all aspects of City operations—from infrastructure and public safety to arts, parks, and public health. In addition to managing a significant caseload, the team provides pre-litigation and risk management advice, drafts and reviews policies, and delivers training to reduce liability.
  
  Fellows actively participate in cases at all stages of litigation. Tasks may include client meetings, drafting pleadings and motions, attending court appearances, participating in settlement conferences, preparing witnesses, and conducting direct or cross-examination during hearings or trials in small claims or Denver County Court.

• DEN Legal serves as in-house counsel for Denver International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports. The team handles a wide range of legal matters, including landlord/tenant issues with concessionaires, FAA compliance, land use, construction and professional services agreements, airline contracts, technology agreements, cybersecurity, and accident response. While much of the work is transactional, Fellows may also gain exposure to litigation.
  
  Fellows conduct legal research, draft memos, assist with contract drafting, and attend client meetings. Opportunities may include observing depositions, hearings, and mediations. This is an excellent placement for those interested in in-house counsel roles.

• The Employment & Labor Law Section defends the City in employment-related litigation in state and federal courts, including claims of discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability,…