Chief Legal Counsel
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Salary
$210,000.00 - $220,000.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
EAACLO_ESW06.24.26
Department
Office of the Governor
Opening Date
06/24/2026
Closing Date
7/6/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
gov_hr@state.co.us
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
Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.
Description
Benefits
Department Information
Love Colorado? There is no better way to define your future and build your career than to work for the State of Colorado.
Finding Your Purpose
When you work for the State of Colorado, you're working to improve your community, impact the lives of those around you, and ensure that our shared natural resources will be available for generations to come.
Finding Your Passion
Each position makes a difference by helping people, enhancing our livelihood and making Colorado a better place to live. Learn more about the mission of each of our Departments and Institutions (https://co.colorado.gov/contacts-search?field\state\agency=All&field\county=All&field\keywords=) and the unique roles they serve!
Colorado for All
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Colorado For All - Colorado Employee Reflections (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPo-IRsOZU&t=3s)
Department Information
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, making housing more affordable and available, improving public safety, and building an economy that works for everyone. The Office of the Governor's staff includes budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.
Office of Legal Counsel:
The Governor's Office of Legal is committed to working with the Governor to further a Colorado for All. We provide legal advice and analysis to the Governor, the Governor's Office, and his cabinet in areas of legal complexity and importance. The attorneys in the office play key roles in legislative bill review and engagement, policy research and development, drafting of executive orders, judicial appointments at all levels of Colorado courts, granting of clemency, media responses, and designing and implementing strategic policies and goals. Further, we represent the Governor in discussions with stakeholders and elected officials, advocate for the Governor's agenda and policy objectives, and work with the Office of the Attorney General to manage litigation involving the state, the Governor, and agencies.
Description of Job
Position Title: Chief Legal Counsel
Department: Office of Legal Counsel
Salary : $210,000 to $220,000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Organizational Relationships: This position reports to the Chief of Staff, is part of the Governor's Executive Team, and leads the Governor's Offices of Legal Counsel and Human Resources.
Supervisory Authority : This position supervises the Office of Legal Counsel, including Deputy Legal Counsels, Paralegal, and Executive Assistant to the Office of Legal Counsel, as well as the Governor's Office of Human Resources, including the Human Resources Director and Human Resources Specialist.
Expected Annual Travel: Regular meetings of membership organizations and, otherwise, as needed. Overall travel expectations are minimal.
Summary of Functions: Provide legal, policy, and strategic advice and counsel to the Governor, the Governor's Office, the Lt. Governor, and Cabinet and their senior staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide legal, policy, and strategic advice and counsel to the Governor, the Governor's Office, the Lt. Governor, and Cabinet and their senior staff.
Develop, counsel, and train members of the Governor's Office on laws and policies.
Monitor and provide legal and strategic guidance regarding the Governor's calendar and communications.
Monitor and provide legal and strategic guidance to successfully pass the Governor's legislative agenda, including drafting and negotiating bills.
Represent the Governor in stakeholder meetings.
Oversee Colorado Open Records Act requests for the Governor's Office
Oversee judicial selection process for all vacancies to be filled by the Governor.
Oversee clemency process for commutes and pardons granted by the Governor.
Serve as a liaison between the Governor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General.
Serve as a liaison between the Governor's Office and the Judicial Department.
Oversee the Office of Legal Counsel and Human Resources.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Education/Experience:
Bachelor's and Juris Doctor Degrees required, must be a licensed attorney in good standing in Colorado.
Education: Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.
Experience: Preferred candidates will have a minimum of 10 years progressive experience, or otherwise demonstrate a high acumen in the areas of public law, government affairs, or advising executive-level leadership.
Licensure: Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Colorado Supreme Court, or eligible for immediate admission on motion.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), Amendment 41, state rulemaking processes, and the Colorado legislative system.
Experience leading and managing professional teams across both legal and human resources or operational disciplines.
Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-scrutiny environment requiring rapid problem-solving and absolute confidentiality.
Conditions of employment: Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado; however, applicants must reside in Colorado at the time of employment.
Supplemental Information
To Apply:
A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.
The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:
Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)
Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)
12 paid holidays per year
Medical and dental plans
State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50,000 or 1x annual salary
Choice of 2 retirement plans
401K and 457 plans
State paid Short Term Disability coverage
Additional optional life and disability plans
Credit Union Membership
RTD pass
Training and professional development
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits .
Inclusion and Belonging
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success , and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA Accommodations
The Office of the Governor 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 Staffing Coordinator (the Senior Human Resources Director) at gov_hr@state.co.us.
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.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
