Assistant Attorney General - Public Safety Unit
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Assistant Attorney General - Public Safety Unit
Salary
$88,197.00 - $136,558.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
LAA-9397-02/2026
Department
Department of Law
Division
Civil Litigation & Employment Law
Opening Date
02/04/2026
Closing Date
2/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
1300 Broadway, Denver CO 80203
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Type of Announcement
This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Contact Information
If you have questions about your application contact Vanessa Rhea, email: vanessa.rhea@coag.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!
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 combinesgeneral 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 anincredibly 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.
Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General's Office here (https://coag.gov/) .
Description of Job
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
This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position in the Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section.
Salary note : The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range for an AAG I is $88,197-$117,964/annually.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). Effective July 1, 2025, the AAG II salary range is $102,099 - $136,558/annually.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.
Why You Should Join
At the Department of Law, you will:
Make a tangible impact: Your work will directly influence public safety, civil rights, and the lives of Coloradans across the state.
Engage in challenging, meaningful cases: From complex advice matters to real-time emergency support, your practice will never be routine.
Grow as a leader: Collaborate with some of Colorado's most dedicated attorneys while building specialized expertise in high-profile areas of law.
Work for justice: Experience the satisfaction of meaningful public service with a healthy work-life balance.
Be part of a community: Join a team that values collaboration, professional development, and a shared commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
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 (https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/index.asp) .
Who We're Looking For
While no candidate will have experience in every area, we are seeking attorneys who bringstrong 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 CourtOffice of Attorney Regulation Counsel (https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/index.asp) 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 position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the on-line applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the on-line application.
Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and their relevant experience; 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.
Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
ADAAA Requests
The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at hr@coag.gov.
For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities at our office, please contact our Legal Talent Director at legaltalentdirector@coag.gov .
WHY WORK FOR US
We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members - which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.
We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!
We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.
We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed.
We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensiveState of Colorado benefits package (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/) including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/members/retirement-benefits) , and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) : As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
To apply, you must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references. Failure to attach these documents may result in your application not being considered. Please confirm that you have attached the required documents.
Yes
No
02
Please provide your bar registration number, state(s) in which you hold a license, and bar date. Assistant Attorneys General in the Colorado Department of Law 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.
03
Describe any involvement you've had with equity, diversity, or inclusion efforts at past organizations.
04
Describe a time you didn't know how to advise a client on a complex and time-sensitive issue in the moment. What was the scenario and how did you handle it? How did you maintain the client's confidence and trust in you?
05
Describe your experience working with high profile or politically sensitive issues.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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