Organization

Colorado Department of Law
Denver, Colorado

Posted Date

July 6, 2026

Contact Information

Vanessa Rhea
vanessa.rhea@coag.gov

Assistant Attorney General – Tort Litigation Unit

The Tort Litigation Unit in the Civil Litigation and Employment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office seeks an experienced, driven litigator to join our high-performing team. This is a rare opportunity to take a critical, lead role defending state agencies, institutions of higher education, and state employees in tort/personal injury, civil rights, and employment lawsuits, from inception through appeal. 

Our team handles impactful and often high-profile matters that shape public policy and protect the work of state government. We are looking for a confident, strategic attorney who brings strong courtroom experience, sound judgment, and a passion for public service.

Equally important, we value engagement and teamwork. We strive for collaboration and take pride in delivering excellent results while maintaining a positive, team-oriented environment. The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator who is energized by tackling challenging legal issues alongside talented colleagues.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.  Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

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 Tort Litigation Unit handles tort, civil rights, and employment claims against the State of Colorado and its employees. Our attorneys represent Colorado’s Office of Risk Management, state agencies, institutions of higher education, and employees sued in state and federal court. We defend personal injury and other tort claims and also claims brought under such statutes as the Colorado Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act, C.R.S. § 13-21-131, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, as well as a wide range of employment laws.

Beyond litigation, our team partners closely with clients to proactively manage risk. We provide practical legal advice and investigative support to help prevent claims and mitigate exposure in areas involving personal injury, civil rights, and employment matters. 

Attorneys in this role:

  • Lead the defense of often high-profile cases involving civil rights, personal injury claims, and employment law, including constitutional issues in federal and state court;
  • Manage a full litigation docket, from early case assessment and dispositive motions through discovery, engagement of experts, trial, and appeal. We brief and argue appeals before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals;
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the State Office of Risk Management, state agencies, and institutions of higher education, on litigation risk and strategy;
  • Collaborate with a talented, mission-driven group of litigators and general counsel across the Attorney General’s Office to deliver exceptional representation and results.

Qualifications

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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.

We seek a skilled, team-oriented litigator who is comfortable leading cases independently as they collaborate with colleagues and clients. The ideal candidate brings strong interpersonal skills; thrives on a collaborative and friendly work environment; and is a proven high performer. The strongest candidates will have:

  • At least three years of meaningful civil litigation experience in state and/or federal court, with a demonstrated ability to manage cases and move them forward; 
  • Experience with, or a strong interest in developing expertise in, government-specific defenses, including the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Eleventh Amendment immunity, qualified immunity, and absolute judicial immunity;
  • Experience handling, or a strong interest in developing expertise in employment-related claims, including discrimination, retaliation, and related workplace issues; 
  • A strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategies in complex cases; and
  • A commitment to public service and to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in both client representation and workplace culture.

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