Assistant Attorney General – Public Safety Unit

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 serve as trusted counsel to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) and its divisions, including the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Division of Criminal Justice, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, as well as CDPS boards, commissions, and offices (“Public Safety Agencies”).

This position offers a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of law, public safety, and policy, providing both day-to-day legal guidance and litigation support on matters that directly affect the safety and well-being of Coloradans. The attorney in this role will serve as a key legal advisor to CDPS executive leadership and staff on complex, fast-moving, and often high-profile issues.

The role combines general counsel responsibilities with meaningful litigation work, and is well suited for attorneys who enjoy variety, intellectual challenge, and a strong sense of mission. Former prosecutors, current prosecutors seeking a new professional chapter, and attorneys with civil litigation or general counsel experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is ideal for an attorney who thrives when independently navigating new and unfamiliar legal issues, while also collaborating closely with a team of committed, highly skilled public servants.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

This position supports an incredibly important public mission. The attorneys and client agencies are deeply committed to public safety, integrity, and service to Colorado communities. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact, work alongside dedicated professionals, and contribute to decisions that matter—every single day.

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 Civil Litigation and Employment Section, Public Safety Unit provides general counsel services and legal representation to CDPS. This role is primarily focused on serving as general counsel to CDPS and its divisions, with a significant secondary component involving litigation and litigation support in both civil and criminal matters.

The legal work is wide-ranging and intellectually engaging, frequently involving issues of statewide importance, emerging legal questions, and matters that require sound judgment under time-sensitive conditions. CDPS litigation often includes civil rights claims, judicial review of agency action, subpoenas duces tecum, public records and criminal justice records matters, and complex discovery issues.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as general counsel to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) and its divisions, advising leadership and staff on day-to-day legal issues affecting law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, fire prevention, and homeland security operations
• Provide legal guidance to CDPS agencies, boards, and commissions on public safety policy, statutory authority, legislative mandates, subpoenas, and open records requests
• Advise on cutting-edge law enforcement and public safety matters, drawing on sound legal judgment and an understanding of operational realities
• Litigate and support litigation on behalf of CDPS in administrative proceedings and state and federal courts, including civil rights cases, judicial review of agency action, and defense of subpoenas duces tecum
• Represent CDPS divisions in criminal and civil matters, including discovery disputes and records issues arising from law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, and engaging with District Attorney’s Offices across the State
• Interpret and implement new legislation affecting law enforcement, homeland security, and criminal justice issues, working directly with CDPS leadership to translate statutory changes into practical guidance
• Serve in times of need, providing legal support to CDPS during state emergencies and disaster response efforts, including coordination with federal, state, and local partners
• Research and draft legal opinions, memoranda, and litigation filings addressing complex and time-sensitive public safety issues
• Review and advise on agency rules, policies, and procedures, including rulemaking and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Attend and advise CDPS Boards and Commissions, including guidance on the Colorado Open Meetings Law, conflicts of interest, and open records laws
• Conduct mandatory annual trainings and targeted legal trainings and advice for CDPS boards on current and emerging legal issues
• Represent the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Boards and Commissions in administrative challenges and hearings
• Serve as a trusted legal resource to CDPS leadership and staff, and coordinate with specialized attorneys across the Department of Law as needed
• Serve as a connector between CDPS and specialized legal expertise within the Department of Law

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.

Who We’re Looking For

While no candidate will have experience in every area, we are seeking attorneys who bring strong judgment, curiosity, and a service-oriented mindset, along with at least five years of relevant experience. Ideal candidates will demonstrate many of the following:

• Experience appearing in state court in criminal and/or civil matters, with regular application of the Colorado Rules of Evidence and Criminal and Civil Procedure
• Background in administrative, regulatory, or public sector law
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
• A client-focused approach and ability to communicate clearly in high-stakes or fast-moving situations
• Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple priorities
• Experience working with or advising public safety, law enforcement, or justice-system stakeholders
• Confidence building relationships with senior leadership and frontline professionals alike
• A practical, solutions-oriented approach to complex legal problems
• 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
• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and public service
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE. PLEASE REVIEW THE “HOW TO APPLY” SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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.

 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 Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section.