Senior Assistant Attorney General/Assistant Attorney General - NRE, Water Resources
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Salary
$102,099.00 - $150,556.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
LAA 09170-8/2026
Department
Department of Law
Division
Natural Resources & Environment
Opening Date
08/18/2026
Closing Date
9/8/2026 12:00 AM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
1300 Broadway, Denver CO 80203
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
mercedes.chansisourath@coag.gov
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.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
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.
Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!
The Water Resources Unit and Water Conservation Unit of the Natural Resources and Environment Section are seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for Colorado water law and an interest in the appropriation, adjudication, administration, and protection of surface and groundwater rights on behalf of the people of Colorado. This position offers a unique opportunity to work directly with leaders of state agencies, water users, and other stakeholders on complex legal matters affecting the beneficial use, administration, and protection of Colorado's water supplies across the state's river basins and aquifers. Colorado has long played a leading role in the development and administration of the prior appropriation system and continues to advance the coordinated use of surface and groundwater resources, as well as the protection of the environment through the Colorado Water Conservation Board's instream flow and natural lake level water rights. This attorney will work as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team of legal and technical professionals representing the Colorado Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board on significant and often complex water law matters.
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 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 Water Resources Unit represents and advises the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), which includes the Office of the State Engineer, the seven Division Engineers of Colorado's seven Water Divisions (South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Gunnison, Colorado, Yampa/North Platte, and San Juan/Dolores Rivers), the Dam Safety Section, the Colorado Groundwater Commission, and the Colorado Board of Examiners of Water Well and Geothermal Heat Exchanger Contractors.
The Water Conservation Unit represents and advises the Stream and Lake Protection Section of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the acquisition, adjudication, and protection of instream flow water rights. The Unit also advises other sections within the CWCB in implementation of their programs, as well as represents other state agencies in the adjudication and protection of water rights.
The Assistant Attorney General will join a dedicated team of water attorneys and legal professionals working on behalf of the State of Colorado and its state agencies to defend the rule of law, protect the water resources of the State of Colorado, and to maximize the beneficial use of water for Colorado's growth and prosperity. The attorney may be assigned to the Water Resources Unit, the Water Conservation Unit, or both, depending on operational needs.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
Represent State Agencies in Water Rights and Water Use Litigation
Represents the Colorado Division of Water Resources, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and other state agencies in water court, state and federal courts, and administrative proceedings involving water rights, well permits, and water resource management.
Litigates matters involving applications for new water rights, changes of water rights, plans for augmentation, exchanges, enforcement actions, and other proceedings under Colorado's Water Right Determination and Administration Act.
Handles appeals of water court decisions, final agency actions, and other judicial proceedings involving water law.
Develops litigation strategy, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings, motions, briefs, settlement agreements, and appellate filings, and appears in state court on behalf of state agencies.
Provide Legal Counsel and Regulatory Advice
Advises agency leadership and staff regarding the interpretation and application of Colorado water law, administrative law, and related statutes affecting surface and ground water administration and allocation.
Provides legal advice concerning water rights administration, decree interpretation, rulemaking, administrative procedures, the Colorado Open Records Act, the Colorado Open Meetings Law, and other legal issues affecting agency operations and decisions.
Reviews proposed legislation, regulations, contracts, and policies to assess legal implications and provide recommendations.
Represent Clients in Administrative Proceedings
Represents clients before administrative tribunals and boards involving well permit issuances and denials, enforcement actions, rulemaking proceedings, agency appeals, and other matters affecting water use and water rights administration.
Advises agencies throughout administrative proceedings, prepares legal memoranda and proposed orders, and represents agency positions during hearings and public meetings.
Protect Colorado's Water Resources
Represents the Colorado Water Conservation Board in the acquisition, adjudication, administration, and protection of instream flow and natural lake level water rights.
Provides legal support to agency programs involving flood mitigation, water conservation, and water project financing.
Collaborates with attorneys, engineers, hydrologists, and other technical experts to protect the State's water resources and promote the beneficial use of water consistent with Colorado law.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Client Representation
Serves as legal counsel to agency leadership by providing practical legal advice, developing litigation and regulatory strategies, and presenting legal recommendations.
Collaborates with state agencies, local governments, water users, federal agencies, attorneys, and other stakeholders to resolve complex water law issues and advance the State's interests.
Represents the Department and client agencies during public meetings, stakeholder discussions, legislative hearings, and professional conferences, as appropriate.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the Natural Resource and Environment Section at the Department of Law.
Salary note: The Department of Law uses an attorney 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.
In order to be appointed as aSenior Assistant Attorney General, candidates must have a minimum of ten years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment. Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights. If the position is filled at the level of Senior Assistant Attorney General, the pay range will be $112,564 to $150,556/year.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as anAssistant Attorn ey General II (AAG II) . The salary range for an AAG II is $102,099 - $136,557/annually.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.
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 CourtOffice of Attorney Regulation Counsel (https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/index.asp) .
We are looking for individuals who have experience in civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work. Please highlight and detail your trial, motions, and discovery experience in your cover letter . We are also seeking candidates who have:
A genuine enthusiasm for water law
Experience with water court practice and negotiation and interpretation of water court decrees
Experience with reviewing water rights engineering and water rights accounting
Excellent writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
Keen attention to detail
Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities
Ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders
Ability to manage a significant caseload and work effectively in a fast-paced litigation environment
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of legal team
Desire and ability to be responsive and timely in all communications to clients and colleagues
Confidence to work with sophisticated clients, including engineers, hydrologists, and policy professionals
Eagerness to learn complex subject matter and develop expertise in water law
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity
Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the office
Sound judgment when working with high-level stakeholders, including knowing when to consult teammates and supervisors
A demonstrated commitment to public service, ethics and professional responsibility
For the Senior Assistant Attorney General position, we are seeking applicants who have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment. Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights.
Applicants should highlight in their cover letter any relevant experience, including any experience with including any experience i n civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work . Applicants are also encouraged to describe their experience mentoring lawyers and staff. We are looking for a teammate who has excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills, who thrives in and enjoys fostering a collaborative and friendly work environment, but who can also effectively work independently. Thestrongest candidateswill also have:
More than ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment. Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights.
Experience serving as lead counsel in complex litigation, including developing litigation strategy, managing all phases of litigation, and successfully negotiating complex settlements.
Demonstrated subject matter expertise in the interpretation and application of Colorado's water laws.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, legal research, negotiation, and written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to resolve novel or high-profile legal issues.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage a complex and demanding caseload while balancing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and exercising sound professional judgment with minimal supervision.
Experience advising executive leadership, agency decision-makers, and technical professionals on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
Significant experience negotiating settlements, resolving disputes, and working collaboratively with opposing counsel, stakeholders, and governmental entities to achieve legally sound outcomes.
Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading attorneys and legal teams, including providing technical guidance, litigation strategy, or professional development.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and establish credibility with clients, agency leadership, technical experts, and external stakeholders.
Excellent judgment, professionalism, discretion, and political awareness when advising high-level stakeholders on matters involving significant legal, operational, or public policy implications.
Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and manage complex matters with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and the protection, administration, and responsible stewardship ofColorado's water resources.
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and client service.
The qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General II are:
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 before the first day of employment
Have three years' experience as a licensed attorney.
Be passionate and enthusiastic about having a career in water law.
Be willing to periodically travel within the State.
Our ideal candidate will have:
Experience with Colorado water court practice and negotiation of complex water court decrees, including drafting pleadings, motions, and proposed decrees
Interest in and passion for Colorado water law and history
Demonstrated interest in public service
Experience drafting or contributing to dispositive or complex motions, such as Rule56 motions in Colorado water court proceedings
Experience advising clients on issues related to water management, accounting, and planning for raw water resources
Experience supporting rule making processes or administrative proceedings
Interest in or experience with mentoring others or successfully leading teams in a egal setting
Knowledge of legal ethics rules, regulations, and best practices
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.
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.
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.
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.
Required Application Materials: Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Applicants must provide1)a cover letter detailing their interest in the positionand their relevant experience; 2)a resume;3)a writing sample, and4)three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.
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 BenefitsIn addition to the comprehensiveState of Colorado benefits packageincluding competitive medical, dental and vision health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans withColorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: 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 an 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.
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 athr@coag.gov.
For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities at our office, please contact our Legal Talent Director atlegaltalentdirector@coag.gov.
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/
