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First Assistant Attorney General (Higher Education)

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First Assistant Attorney General (Higher Education)

Salary

$143,664.00 - $192,151.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

LAA-09443-12/2025

Department

Department of Law

Opening Date

12/19/2025

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

Vanessa Rhea: [email protected]

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

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Department Information

This position is subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009. The selected finalist will have a start date after January 1, 2026. Candidates should be aware that while an offer may be extended, their employment will not commence prior to that date.Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The State Services Section is seeking a First Assistant Attorney General to lead our Higher Education Unit. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about education, public service, and leadership. Our Unit provides legal services to the University of Colorado System, Colorado State University System, University of Northern Colorado, State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education System, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Auraria Higher Education Center, Colorado Mountain College, Colorado School of Mines, Adams State University, Fort Lewis College, Colorado Mesa University, and Western Colorado University. We are looking for someone who is genuinely excited to manage and coach this team of dynamic and smart lawyers and who will embrace leading the team in this challenging, and often novel, area of law.

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

The Higher Education Unit serves as general counsel to the Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools, Collegelnvest, College Assist, Institute for Cannabis Research, History Colorado, and four public institutions of higher education: Fort Lewis College, Colorado Mesa University, Adams State University, and Western State Colorado University. The Unit provides general advice to clients on a wide variety of issues, including: board representation, open meetings and open records, drafting formal and informal opinions on public postsecondary education issues, tenure, due process, intellectual property, state and federal compliance including Clery Act, ADA and Rehab Act, FERPA, Title IX, Title VII, Free Expression, guns on campus, and Due Process, as well as policy drafting. The Unit handles litigation in state, federal, and administrative courts. The Unit also handles transactional work, including contract drafting, review, and negotiation in a variety of settings, from simple service agreements to software contracts, real estate transactions, and construction contracts.

The First Assistant Attorney General is responsible for leading a team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants consistent with the values of the Department of Law. The First will promote collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The First Assistant Attorney General is one of the most important roles in our office. In this role, you will guide the Unit in delivering high- quality, cost-effective legal services to clients, and supervise employees while also carrying an independent workload. Managing this team involves coordinating litigation of major cases; hiring staff and attorneys, conducting quarterly performance meetings and evaluations, handling discipline and HR issues; maintaining and developing good relationships with clients; coordinating workflow; coordinating and/or supervising the work of Special Assistant Attorneys General; and drafting reports for the Department of Law.

You will also advise senior leadership on pending issues of public interest and importance and must identify pressing issues as they arise. In addition to handling litigation, you will review higher education-related bills during the legislative session and provide oral and written legal advice on client questions. This work includes writing formal and informal opinions, reviewing and drafting client policies and procedures, and attending and providing advice at meetings of college governing boards. The

First Assistant serves as a frontline leader and contributes to the overall leadership of the Department of Law.

You will also be responsible for inspiring, coaching, leading, and supporting your team of professionals, drawing out the best from your team and pushing them to fulfill the Department of Law's mission of protecting the rule of law and ensuring justice for all Coloradoans.

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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law leadership team. As such, the strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies:

Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence - Demonstrates and models self- awareness, self­ regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with members of the public, colleagues, and staff.

Communication & Listening - Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with the public, leadership, colleagues, and staff.

Flexible & Adaptable Management - Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible.

Coaching & Developing People - Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals.

Creative & Strategic Problem Solving - Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises.

Enterprise & Growth Mindset - Balances the desires of the public, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise.

Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General position must meet the following criteria:

+ Admitted to the Colorado bar or 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

+ Demonstrated experience with supervising and coaching lawyers and legal professionals

+ Outstanding writing and analytical skills

Our ideal candidates will have practiced law for a minimum of seven years, and demonstrate progressively more challenging legal experience, including team, project, or case management responsibilities and the resolution of complex legal issues. A background in higher education law, advising complex organizations, governing boards, litigation, and/or government representation is desirable. Demonstrated ability and/or commitment to supporting a diverse team of dedicated public servants is highly desirable.

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.

+ The Higher Education Unit offers flexible work arrangements. First Assistant Attorneys General are encouraged to work in the office at least 2 or 3 days per week, however alternative in-person and remote work arrangements will be considered.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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 online applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the online application. Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and their relevant experience; 2) a resume; 3) one independent 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 [email protected].

For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities at our office, please contact our Legal Talent Director [email protected].

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 comprehensive State 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, one or more independent writing samples, and contact information for three professional references. Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.These documents are reviewed to assess candidates, and failure to attach all may result in your application not being considered.

+ I confirm that I have attached all required application materials.

+ I have not attached all required application materials.

02

Please provide your CO attorney registration number and admission date. If you are not licensed in CO, please provide the state(s) in which you hold a license, your attorney registration number, and admission 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

What is your leadership philosophy?

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

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Website

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