Assistant Attorney General – Federal Initiatives

The Colorado Department of Law is seeking experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Attorneys General in the Office of the Attorney General’s Federal Initiatives Unit. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in high-impact litigation that shapes and safeguards the State’s interests in the face of significant federal actions. Attorneys in this role will represent the State of Colorado in complex trial and appellate matters—defending its programs, residents, and the rule of law. Candidates with substantial federal litigation experience, including those who have led major cases or handled multifaceted legal challenges, may be considered for appointment as Senior Assistant Attorneys General.

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/.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Assistant Attorneys General in the Federal Initiatives Unit play a vital role in safeguarding the interests of the Attorney General, the State of Colorado, and its residents. This position is an opportunity to shape the State’s legal strategy in high-impact federal matters and to defend the rule of law. In this role, you will serve as litigation counsel in complex trial and appellate matters, focusing on protecting state programs, funding streams, and Colorado’s interests. This role is part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that provides strategic support to the Attorney General and state agencies on issues involving the federal government. This role will report to the Deputy Solicitor General for Federal Initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Advisory Responsibilities: provide counsel to the Attorney General and client agencies regarding federal executive orders, federal agency and administrative actions, and federal legislation affecting Colorado government, residents, and the rule of law; and monitor evolving federal policies and analyze their impact on Colorado’s legal and regulatory landscape.

Litigation & Trial Responsibilities: serve as litigation counsel in key litigation and trial matters protecting the interest of the State of Colorado, including coordination with other state attorney general staff on multistate matters; develop and execute litigation strategy for federal litigation and trials, trial moots, and after-action review for major cases; analyze complex factual and legal issues; prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery; appear in court and collaborate with multi-state coalitions; and work closely with agency counsel, providing strategic advice to ensure aligned, effective advocacy.

Administrative & Appellate Responsibilities: lead or support the preparation of comment letters, motions to intervene and amicus briefs related to federal initiatives; and review and advise on multi-state amicus briefing opportunities and multi-state attorney general correspondence and letters on nationwide federal issues.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, meaningful work in service of the people of Colorado. We are an equal opportunity employer and value a diverse workforce that brings broad perspectives and lived experiences to the work we do. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 4 years of legal experience, including significant federal litigation experience (civil or administrative).
• Experience with administrative and regulatory law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience representing or advising public-sector clients or government agencies.
• Experience litigating for or against the federal government or federal agencies.
• Background in investigations, federal grants, or civil rights matters.
• Experience leading complex multi-party litigation or working in multi-state coalitions.

 Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• 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 recruitment may be used to fill more than one position within the Federal Initiatives Unit or Office of the Attorney General section.