First Assistant Attorney General – Higher Education

The State Services Section is seeking a First Assistant Attorney General to lead our Higher Education Unit. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about education, public service, and leadership. Our Unit provides legal services to the University of Colorado System, Colorado State University System, University of Northern Colorado, State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education System, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Auraria Higher Education Center, Colorado Mountain College, Colorado School of Mines, Adams State University, Fort Lewis College, Colorado Mesa University, and Western Colorado University. We are looking for someone who is genuinely excited to manage and coach this team of dynamic and smart lawyers and who will embrace leading the team in this challenging, and often novel, area of law.

The Higher Education Unit serves as general counsel to the Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools, Collegelnvest, College Assist, Institute for Cannabis Research, History Colorado, and four public institutions of higher education: Fort Lewis College, Colorado Mesa University, Adams State University, and Western State Colorado University. The Unit provides general advice to clients on a wide variety of issues, including: board representation, open meetings and open records, drafting formal and informal opinions on public postsecondary education issues, tenure, due process, intellectual property, state and federal compliance including Clery Act, ADA and Rehab Act, FERPA, Title IX, Title VII, Free Expression, guns on campus, and Due Process, as well as policy drafting. The Unit handles litigation in state, federal, and administrative courts. The Unit also handles transactional work, including contract drafting, review, and negotiation in a variety of settings, from simple service agreements to software contracts, real estate transactions, and construction contracts.

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.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

This position is subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009. The selected finalist will have a start date after January 1, 2026. Candidates should be aware that while an offer may be extended, their employment will not commence prior to that date.

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, and supervise employees while also carrying an independent workload. Managing this team involves coordinating litigation of major cases; hiring staff and attorneys, conducting quarterly 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. In addition to handling litigation, you will review higher education-related bills during the legislative session and provide oral and written legal advice on client questions. This work includes writing formal and informal opinions, reviewing and drafting client policies and procedures, and attending and providing advice at meetings of college governing boards.

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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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

• 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. A background in higher education law, advising complex organizations, governing boards, litigation, and/or government representation is desirable. Demonstrated ability and/or commitment to supporting a diverse team of dedicated public servants is highly desirable.

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 I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• The Higher Education 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one position in the State Services section.