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Colorado

Assistant Attorney General - Public Safety

Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285


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

The Department of Law/Office of the Attorney General (DOL), Civil Litigation and Employment Section has a unique opportunity for an experienced attorney to work for the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), which includes the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This position offers the opportunity to provide a broad spectrum of legal counsel to Public Safety Agencies, including daily legal advice and guidance to CDPS executive management and staff on various issues. The attorney in this position will also assist Public Safety Agencies on certain civil and criminal matters in administrative courts, state and federal district, and appellate courts. This role is best suited for an attorney who excels at independently navigating new and unfamiliar issues on a regular basis while engaging as part of a team with other attorneys and staff.

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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The

Civil Litigation and Employment Section, Public Safety Unit

provides general counsel services and representation to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS). This role is primarily focused on providing general counsel services to CDPS and its Divisions. A secondary but significant component of this role involves representing CDPS in both civil and criminal matters as well as supporting DOL litigation teams from across the office representing CDPS. CDPS litigation typically includes civil rights litigation and judicial review of agency action, as well as the defense of subpoenas duces tecum, open records, and criminal justice records issues. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

Provide general legal advice to CDPS agencies, boards, and divisions on a broad variety of legal topics including policy issues, legislative mandates, subpoenas, or open records requests;

Advise Public Safety Agencies on public safety matters;

Review rules, statutes, and applicable law to advise Public Safety Agencies with respect to compliance issues;

Litigate matters for CDPS in administrative court, state and federal district courts and appellate courts, typically in collaboration with other attorneys;

Interpret new legislation collaboratively with Public Safety Agencies and DOL members;

Support Public Safety Agencies in their response to State emergencies;

Research and draft legal opinions;

Review policies, rules, and procedures;

Attend Board and Commission meetings;

Advise on Board and Commission conduct including applicability of the Colorado Open Meetings Laws, Conflict of Interest, CORA, CCJRA. Conduct mandatory annual training for multiple boards across CDPS;

Represent Boards in administrative challenges and hearings;

Advise, recommend, and coordinate training specific to current legal issues or areas of concern;

Provide general counsel and advice to CDPS and related agencies on all matters and connecting them with the appropriate specialists within the DOL for further advice and guidance.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualified applicants must be admitted to the Colorado bar or be 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 and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment.

In addition, the strongest candidates will have some, or all of the following skills and attributes:

Prior experience as a general counsel and as a civil litigator

Prior experience in administrative or regulatory law

Strong oral and written communication skills

Commitment to superior client communication in a fast-paced environment

Excellent organizational skills

Prior experience working with public safety, law enforcement, or law enforcement stakeholders

Confidence in working with clients and developing strong working relationships with clients

Strong analytical and litigation skills

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

Ability to work collaboratively with a variety and diversity of personalities

Be a self-starter who is capable of and enjoys working independently, and exercise good judgment as to when to consult teammates and supervisors

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

The Public Safety Unit functions on a hybrid work model. New employees are generally expected to work in-office 2-3 days a week.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online application including the Contact Information section. Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and their relevant experience; 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references.

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