Assistant Attorney General – Public Safety Unit

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), the Divisions within CDPS: the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; and all other CDPS Boards, Commissions and offices (“Public Safety Agencies”). 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 a broad variety of 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. The role will combine general counsel advice and some litigation on behalf of the CDPS with other attorneys in the Section. This position 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.

This position is not subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Civil Litigation and Employment Section, Public Safety Unit provides general counsel services and representation to the e 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 and criminal justice records, and discovery 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;
• Represent the interests of CDPS divisions in criminal and civil matters, including defense of subpoenas duces tecum;
• Interpret new legislation collaboratively with Public Safety Agencies and DOL members; 
• Support Public Safety Agencies in their response to State emergencies;
• Work with federal and local partners related to funding for State disaster emergencies; 
• Research and draft legal opinions;
• Review policies, rules, and procedures; 
• Draft Rule memoranda; 
• 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;
• Conduct trainings as requested or needed by the client; and
• 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. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.

While we understand that no candidate is perfect, we are looking for individuals who have at least five years of general counsel and/or civil litigation experience, and who can check most of the following boxes:  

• Prior experience appearing in state court in criminal and/or civil matters, regularly working with the Colorado Rules of Evidence and the Colorado Rules of Criminal and Civil Procedure
• 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
• Solutions-oriented outlook, passion for creative problem solving
• 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position in the Civil Litigation and Employment Law section.