Assistant Attorney General – Corrections
The Colorado Department of Law is seeking a skilled civil litigator to join the Corrections Unit—a practice at the intersection of constitutional law, federal litigation, and public service.
Attorneys in this role lead high-impact civil rights and constitutional cases in federal and state courts on behalf of the Colorado Department of Corrections and Parole. The work is intellectually demanding, writing-intensive, and strategically sophisticated—comparable in rigor and responsibility to federal government and leading litigation practices.
This position offers a rare combination:
- Meaningful responsibility on complex cases, including opportunities for first-chair experience
- Extensive dispositive motion and appellate briefing opportunities
- Direct client advisory work on consequential legal issues
- A sustainable, team-oriented environment with a predictable workload and flexibility not typically found in private practice
If you are a litigator who values precision in writing, depth in analysis, and purpose in your work – and are looking for a sustainable, high-level litigation practice – this role offers a compelling next step.
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.
Responsibilities
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Corrections Unit handles complex litigation involving constitutional, statutory, and civil rights claims against the State and the Department of Corrections.
This is a briefing-heavy, strategy-driven litigation practice where attorneys are entrusted with significant responsibility and autonomy.
You will:
- Lead litigation involving 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and constitutional claims (First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments)
- Handle ADA, RLUIPA, and habeas corpus matters
- Draft and argue dispositive motions in federal and state courts
- Prepare substantive briefs, including summary judgment and appellate filings
- Conduct rigorous legal research on complex constitutional and statutory issues
- Develop litigation strategy and oversee targeted, high-value discovery as part of strategic case development
- Build evidentiary records for hearings, appeals, and potential trial
- Present oral argument in trial and appellate courts
- Advise clients and agency leadership on legal issues affecting policy, operations, and compliance
- Collaborate with experienced litigators across the Department on significant matters
Success in this role is driven by analytical rigor, exceptional writing, and sound litigation judgment. If you want to do interesting constitutional litigation in a team-oriented environment in which you have significant control over your own cases, but with plentiful support from your colleagues, then this job is for you.
Qualifications
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking attorneys who have developed substantial responsibility in civil litigation, particularly in writing and motion practice.
Core Qualifications
- Experience drafting dispositive motions or substantive briefs
- Experience managing or contributing meaningfully to civil discovery
- Strong analytical, research, and writing skills
- Ability to manage complex litigation with appropriate independence
- Sound judgment and effective client-advisory skills
Candidates typically bring 4–8 years of experience, though we strongly encourage applications from candidates who may have fewer years of experience who have exceptional credentials.
We recognize that strong litigation skills are developed through a variety of professional paths. Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds or experiences that demonstrate strong writing, analytical ability, and case development skills are encouraged to apply.
Targeted Experience (Strongly Encouraged)
We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds such as:
- Federal or state appellate or district court clerkships
- Litigation practices with significant writing responsibility
- Government litigation experience
- Experience with federal civil procedure and motion practice
Clerkship experience is especially valued for the analytical rigor and writing discipline it develops. Candidates transitioning from private practice will find opportunities for greater ownership, more frequent courtroom experience, and meaningful public impact.
If your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed but you believe you would bring strong analytical and writing skills to this role, we encourage you to apply.
The Ideal Candidate
- Produces clear, precise, and persuasive legal writing
- Enjoys developing complex legal arguments and litigation strategy
- Is comfortable operating in a federal litigation environment
- Exercises independent judgment while collaborating effectively
- Is motivated by public service and institutional impact
This role is particularly well suited for litigators who value substantive briefing and legal analysis at the highest level.
The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force 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 Assistant Attorney General position within the Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section.
Application Process
Salary: $88,197.00 – $136,558.00 Annually
Link to full job posting and to formally apply:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5291272/assistant-attorney-general-corrections
