First Assistant Attorney General - R&R DPO Unit

Department Information

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Colorado Department of Law, Revenue & Regulatory (R&R) Section is recruiting for the First Assistant Attorney General to lead a newly comprised unit in the Section, which results from the First AAG vacancy created in the current Healthcare Unit of R&R. The new unit will represent a variety of agencies, boards, and commissions that protect the health and safety of the people of Colorado. This is a rare leadership opportunity for an attorney seeking high-level government experience in administrative and regulatory law. The Office of the Attorney General offers the opportunity to be involved in challenging, interesting, and meaningful work in a collaborative environment.

WHO WE ARE

The Office of the Attorney General/DOL 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 DOL 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 R&R section represents various state regulatory agencies, including the Department of Revenue, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the Department of Agriculture, and the numerous divisions within these departments and the numerous divisions within these departments, such as the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO). The primary client of the unit led by this First Assistant Attorney General will be the DPO Division located within DORA, with the exception of the Medical Board and some other programs housed in DPO that will continue to be represented elsewhere in R&R. Among other programs, the new unit will represent a variety of healthcare related boards and commissions (e.g., the pharmacy board, the nursing board, and mental health boards), as well as boards and commissions for a variety of non-healthcare professions and occupations that are regulated by DPO (e.g., accountants, architects, engineers, veterinarians). R&R is the largest section in the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law, comprised of approximately 115 team members who tackle a diverse array of legal challenges for nearly 100 state agencies, boards, commissions, divisions, and ombudsmen.

The First Assistant Attorney General for the unit will be responsible for leading a team of 10+ attorneys, including other lead attorneys, as well as paralegals and administrative support consistent with the values of the Department of Law that recognize that members of the Department of Law are public servants, principled, innovative, and better together. The First Assistant Attorney General reports to the Deputy Attorney General for R&R Section and participates in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Office.

The unit is comprised of a team of professionals who protect Coloradoans through the state's regulation of various professions and occupations. The unit's lawyers advise and represent various regulatory programs at DPO including a variety of healthcare related boards and commissions (e.g., the pharmacy board, the nursing board, and mental health boards), as well as boards and commissions for a variety of non-healthcare professions and occupations that are regulated by DPO (e.g., accountants, architects, engineers, veterinarians).

The unit prosecutes license discipline and unlicensed practice cases, and it advises the staff and boards of DPO in connection with rulemaking and other regulatory policy issues. The unit's work is crucial to protecting the health and safety of the people of Colorado and consumer protection through regulating, licensing and taking disciplinary action against the respective licensees, and pursuing litigation against unlicensed persons engaging in a regulated profession without a license.

The unit's attorneys represent our clients' interests in a variety of settings, including administrative licensure and disciplinary actions. The unit's attorneys have an administrative law practice before the Office of Administrative Courts, as well as some practice in District Court and the Court of Appeals. Additionally, the unit's attorneys advise clients in all aspects of their regulatory functions and responsibilities including regarding open meetings and open records laws, and assisting with the promulgation of rules.

The First Assistant Attorney General facilitates the work and operations of the Unit, promoting collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service. The First Assistant Attorney General assigns and oversees cases and other legal responsibilities, coordinates workflow, and carries an independent workload. In addition, the First Assistant Attorney General has management responsibilities that include making hiring and salary recommendations; coaching and evaluating the attorneys and paralegals; and reporting to senior management on legal, operational, and personnel matters. The First Assistant Attorney General leads the Unit in the development and maintenance of strong client partnerships, monitoring legislative and legal developments related to client representation; and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective legal services to clients while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

As the First Assistant Attorney General, you will have the opportunity to lead the Unit and supervise a staff of employees, including assistant attorneys general, legal assistants, and temporary attorneys. You will also be responsible for building the unit out and driving engagement among the unit's employees.

First Assistant Attorney Generals at the Department of Law ensure the unit consistently provides high-quality legal representation. The First Assistant Attorney General serves as a frontline leader who is responsible for employee performance management activities and assisting the Deputy Attorney General for R&R with personnel, budget, and various administrative duties affecting the work of the Unit, the R&R Section, and the Department of Law.

Salary note: The DOL 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/DOL leadership team. As such, the strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies.

Communication & Listening

• Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff.

Flexible & Adaptable Management

• Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible.

Coaching & Developing People

• Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals.

Creative & Strategic Problem Solving

• Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises.

Enterprise & Growth Mindset

• Balances the goals of clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise.

Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence- Demonstrates and models self- awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with clients, colleagues, and staff.

Leadership & Team Building

• A strong and empathetic leader with a proven track record of success as a leader and manager.

Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General

• R&R DPO Unit position must meet the following criteria:

• Admitted to the Colorado Bar or clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment.

• A minimum of 10 years of general counsel, litigation or other legal experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in administrative and regulatory law.

• Outstanding leadership skills.

• Prior management or supervisory experience leading a diverse team, and ideally in building a strong, diverse and engaged team.

• Excellent client management skills.

The ideal candidate will be someone that:

• Relishes the opportunity to work as part of a team and values the insights and contributions from all team members;

• Demonstrates an ability to lead with empathy;

• Has strong critical thinking skills and ability to find creative solutions;

• Approaches issues objectively and with flexibility, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and situations;

• Has excellent oral and written communication skills, with a commitment to superior client communication in a fast-paced environment;

• Is confident in working with clients, including executive leadership, and developing strong working relationships with clients;

• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills;

• Has strong analytical, general counsel, and litigation skills;

• Wants to independently navigate new and unfamiliar issues on a regular basis while engaging as part of a team with other attorneys and staff;

• Works collaboratively with a variety and diversity of personalities;

• Possesses excellent judgment as to when to consult with teammates and elevate issues to leadership; and

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment

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

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe 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.

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 DOL, 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 the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer-paid life insurance

• Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month

• 11 paid holidays per year

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a repayment plan while working full-time for a qualified employer.

• Free access to an on-site fitness center

• Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system

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

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 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.

The DOL 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.

For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities at our office, please contact Karen Masciulli, Director of Legal Talent, at karen.masciulli@coag.gov