First Assistant Attorney General - Public Officials
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.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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 legal representative and serves as legal counsel to all state executive and judicial agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. 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. Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General’s Office here.
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.
The First Assistant Attorney General is responsible for leading a team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants consistent with the values of the Department of Law. The First will promote collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The First Assistant Attorney General is one of the most important roles in our office. In this role, you will guide the Unit in delivering high- quality, cost-effective legal services to clients, as well as supervise employees while also carrying an independent workload. Managing this team involves coordinating and supervising litigation of major cases and general counsel work; hiring staff and attorneys, conducting regular performance meetings and evaluations, handling discipline and HR issues; maintaining and developing good relationships with clients; coordinating workflow; coordinating and/or supervising the work of Special Assistant Attorneys General; and drafting reports for the Department of Law.
You will also advise senior leadership on pending issues of public interest and importance and must identify pressing issues as they arise. You will provide strategic legal counsel and leadership for the representation of elected officials and senior leadership within state government. You will exercise independent legal judgment in matters involving constitutional authority, statutory interpretation, and intergovernmental relations, and you will guide teams in navigating the dual obligations of providing zealous, professional representation to governmental clients while upholding the Attorney General’s paramount duty to the constitution, the rule of law, and the public interest. You will also model collaborative leadership by working closely with elected officials, agency leadership, and internal stakeholders to deliver candid legal advice, proactively assess legal risk, and ensure consistent, principled, and nonpartisan representation across administrations.
The First Assistant serves as a frontline leader and contributes to the overall leadership of the Department of Law. You will also be responsible for inspiring, coaching, leading, and supporting your team of professionals, drawing out the best from your team and pushing them to fulfill the Department of Law's mission of protecting the rule of law and ensuring justice for all Coloradoans.
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.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies:
- Litigation Leadership & First-Chair Experience - Demonstrates substantial first-chair litigation experience in complex, high-stakes matters; exercises sound strategic judgment in representing the State and public officials in significant cases; and leads trial teams with confidence, accountability, and excellence.
- Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence - Demonstrates and models self- awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with members of the public, colleagues, and staff.
- Communication & Listening - Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with the public, 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 desires of the public, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise.
Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General 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
- Demonstrated experience with supervising and coaching lawyers and legal professionals
- Outstanding writing and analytical skills
Our ideal candidates will have practiced law for a minimum of seven years, and demonstrate progressively more challenging legal experience, including team, project, or case management responsibilities and the resolution of complex legal issues. Desired qualifications include:
- Substantial experience litigating complex civil matters, particularly those involving constitutional, administrative law, or public policy issues.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and mentor attorneys handling high-stakes and legally sophisticated cases.
- Experience representing and counseling governmental entities or public officials, or comparable public-interest litigation experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
- Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
- The Public Officials Unit offers flexible work arrangements. First Assistant Attorneys General are encouraged to
work in the office at least 2 or 3 days per week, however alternative in-person and remote work arrangements will be considered.
The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Salary: $143,664.00 – $192,151.00 Annually
Deadline: 3/5/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Link to full job posting and to formally apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5234859/first-assistant-attorney-general-public-officials
