Second Assistant Attorney General – Air Quality Unit
The Natural Resources and Environment Section has a unique opportunity for a Second Assistant Attorney General in the Air Quality Unit. The Second Assistant Attorney General will work closely with the Unit’s First Assistant Attorney General to manage the workflow for the Unit and implement processes aimed at ensuring high quality and consistent work product and client services. The Second will provide leadership and support for a team of attorneys and paralegals. This individual will also serve as a primary point of contact for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Air Quality and Environmental Justice programs for all legal services. This is a fantastic leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about environmental law and air quality regulation, and in developing management skills.
The Air Quality Unit serves the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC), Air Pollution Control Division (APCD), Clean Fleet Enterprise, and multiple Environmental Justice clients, including the Office of Environmental Justice and the Environmental Justice Advisory Board. We provide general counsel to our clients on all program areas including rulemaking proceedings, board representation, legislative support, and federal regulatory and legal matters. Were present our clients in complex enforcement matters involving settlement negotiations, administrative and civil litigation, and in defensive litigation in various state and federal jurisdictions. We also represent the clients in select third party litigation through intervention, amicus curiae briefing, and subpoena defense.
Application 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.
Responsibilities
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Second Assistant Attorney General for the Air Team will work closely with the Unit’s First Assistant Attorney General, managing administrative functions, supervising a team of attorneys and paralegals, providing leadership and coaching, and managing the Unit’s workflow to ensure high quality work product and client services.
Duties include:
• Manage attorney workload pertaining to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment air issues, including general counsel support, litigation, and rulemakings.
• Provide guidance, support, strategy advice, feedback, and general assistance to attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants.
• Track air cases and manage their progression, ensuring excellent work quality and that all deadlines are met.
• Provide guidance for and oversight of client advice in air matters.
• Maintain effective communication between section and office leadership and the Air Quality Unit.
• Manage longer-term projects and system improvements for the Unit.
• Provide formal supervision of attorneys and paralegals including formal performance management, leave approval, staffing, and support for management of the hiring process.
• Support growth and development of attorneys and paralegals, including identifying opportunities for exposure to a variety of work to enhance job satisfaction.
• Support the Office’s and the clients’ engagement in federal administrative and judicial proceedings to ensure that Colorado’s interests are represented and protected.
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 are particularly interested in candidates who have the following skills and attributes:
• Experience in environmental regulatory enforcement, rulemakings, and or compliance with state or federal air quality laws, including the Clean Air Act.
• A minimum of five years of litigation experience, including leading cases through pretrial proceedings and discovery and/or through presenting briefing and argument in cases involving review of an agency’s administrative action.
• Demonstrated excellence in legal practice and ability to handle the most complex matters.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about environmental law and air quality regulation.
• Interest in learning and working to address the unique impacts of climate change and air pollution on disproportionately impacted, underserved, and marginalized communities.
• Ability to model strong leadership and professionalism skills.
• Previous experience providing training and mentorship to others.
• Strong organizational and client management skills.
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 Natural Resources and Environment section.
Application Process
Deadline: 5/18/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Link to full job posting and to formally apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5305010/second-assistant-attorney-general-air-quality-unit
