Organization

Colorado Department of Law
Denver, Colorado

Posted Date

February 10, 2026

Contact Information

Vanessa Rhea
vanessa.rhea@coag.gov

Assistant Attorney General – Criminal Appeals

The Criminal Appeals section is seeking an intellectually curious attorney who thrives on researching and analyzing the law. This position requires exceptional writing ability; a passion for advocacy; and strong oral communication skills. While each of our attorneys is individually responsible for writing their own briefs, this is a collaborative team that regularly works together to resolve novel questions of law; discuss legislative proposals; and serve the people of Colorado. If you are looking for a challenging role that will allow you to grow with a great team, this position is for you!

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 Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado’s prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant’s claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualified applicants must be licensed to practice law in Colorado or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment along with an estimate of the date by which they expect to be licensed in Colorado.  Our ideal candidate for this position will have the following attributes or experience:

  • Exceptional writing, research, and analytical abilities
  • Strong oral communication skills
  • Eagerness to solve complex legal problems
  • An ability to manage an independent case load
  • Developed collaborative skills and commitment to working as part of a team

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney. This includes fellowship or clerkship experience. Candidates without one year of experience may be considered if their application demonstrates a strong background in research, writing, and oral advocacy. 

THIS POSITION REQUIRES TWO WRITING SAMPLES. PLEASE REVIEW THE “HOW TO APPLY” SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 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. The unit will typically designate one day per week as an in-office day for the entire team. Public Safety Unit attorneys are expected to attend in-person meetings with client stakeholders at CDPS’s various locations.
  • 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.
  • 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. 

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one position in the Criminal Appeals section.