Assistant Attorney General (Criminal Appeals)

Department Information

The Criminal Appeals section is seeking an intellectually curious attorney who thrives on researching and analyzing the law. This position requires exceptional writing ability; a passion for advocacy; and strong oral communication skills. While each of our attorneys is individually responsible for writing their own briefs, this is a collaborative team that regularly works together to resolve novel questions of law; discuss legislative proposals; and serve the people of Colorado. If you are looking for a challenging role that will allow you to grow with a great team, this position is for you!

WHO WE ARE

The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/.

Description of Job

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado's prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant's claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.

This job announcement may be used to fill other attorney vacancies at the DOL.

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.

Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). The salary range for an AAG I is $83,292-$92,400/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $96,420-$120,000/annually.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualified applicants must be licensed to practice law in Colorado or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment along with an estimate of the date by which they expect to be licensed in Colorado.

Our ideal candidate for this position will have the following attributes or experience:

• Exceptional writing, research, and analytical abilities

• Strong oral communication skills

• Eagerness to solve complex legal problems

• An ability to manage an independent case load

• Developed collaborative skills and commitment to working as part of a team

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney. This includes fellowship or clerkship experience. Candidates without one year of experience may be considered if their application demonstrates a strong background in research, writing, and oral advocacy.

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and believes that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

• This position offers a hybrid work environment. Some in-office work will be required.

• Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.

Supplemental Information

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility

We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members - which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!

We Have Strong Core Values

Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.

We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys

We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits

In addition to competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: a borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan

• Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program

• Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program

• Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues

• Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the online application.

Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant skills/experience 2) a resume; 3) two writing samples, preferably one that is a brief, petition, or longer substantive motion that has not been substantially edited by another person; 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.

The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at Julie.Christopher@coag.gov or call 720-508-6511.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact our Legal Talent Director at LegalTalentDirector@coag.gov