AAG: Labor & Appellate Counsel

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General! The Labor Unit is seeking a collaborative attorney to join their dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to constantly learn and work on an array of labor and employment topics. For this position, we need a dedicated attorney with exceptional critical thinking skills and excellent written communications skills; we can teach you the subject matter! If you love a challenge, enjoy appellate litigation and general counsel work, and want to work with interesting clients and a great team, this position is for you! What you will do The Labor Unit of the State Services Section in the Colorado Department of Law serves as general counsel to three departments in state government: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA), and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA). The Unit advises on a variety of issues, including legal compliance in client operations, board representation, open meetings and open records, and rulemaking. The Unit handles litigation in state, federal, and administrative courts at both the trial and appellate court levels. The attorney’s work will include a mixture of litigation (mostly appellate but also trial court and administrative court) and general legal advice to clients (both oral and written). The attorney will co‑counsel various civil litigation cases and will also provide advice, draft formal and informal opinions, and draft and interpret rules and policies. The attorney will write appellate briefs and engage in oral argument at the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. This announcement may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the State Services section at Department of Law. 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-$96,554/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 – $136,468/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 licensed to practice law in Colorado or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment. The ideal candidate for this position must have strong writing skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrate exceptional communication skills. This position regularly interacts with clients, staff, and members of the public, and you must be committed to building effective and collaborative relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. While not a requirement, experience in civil litigation is strongly preferred. A background in labor law, employment leave and benefit law, or property tax law is also desirable, but not required. 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 Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website. This position may offer flexible work arrangements. Flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs. Working outside of regular business hours may be necessary. Travel within and out of state may be necessary, including in-state trips that require long distance driving. A valid driver’s license is required. This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Colorado Attorney General's Office