Attorney Fellowship - Denver's City Attorney's Office

About Our Job

The City Attorney’s Office serves as the chief legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Auditor, City Clerk and Recorder, and all City agencies. Its responsibilities include handling city lawsuits, prosecuting ordinance violations, providing victim support in criminal cases, representing the city in investigations and litigation, advising on contractual and transactional matters, offering regulatory and compliance assistance, addressing employment matters for the city's more than 12,000 workers, and providing guidance on local, state, and federal law.

With a team of over 210 individuals, the City Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting resident welfare, enhancing neighborhood quality of life, and responsibly managing taxpayer funds. As advocates for effective governance, transparency, and accountability, the office empowers the city to do its work and prioritizes ethical conduct in all city operations. Whether working with city agencies, engaging community stakeholders, or collaborating with external legal counsel, the office leverages its collective expertise to navigate complex legal challenges and advance key city priorities.

What We Offer

This is an on-call position, which means it is a part-time, hourly role. Fellowships have with standard compensation of $30 per hour or $60,000 over a 12-month period. Fellows do not receive health benefits or other benefits. Fellows can take advantage of Denver’s Summit Savings plan. The Summit Savings plan is a voluntary retirement plan similar to a 401(k) but known in Internal Revenue Code as a 457(b) for government employees.

Location Flexibility

The Denver's City Attorney's Office supports a hybrid model workplace where employees work where needed in a city site or telecommute remotely within the State of Colorado. Telecommuting allows employees to work three (3) days per work week in their designated City building or other authorized City location and two (2) days per work week at an alternate location (i.e., work from home).

What You’ll Do

The Denver City Attorney’s Office is offering a one-year fellowship opportunity starting September 1, 2026. Fellows will work between 35 and 39 hours per week and may serve in the following divisions, with reasonable flexibility to explore and transition into long-term employment.

Civil Litigation

• The Civil Litigation Section represents the City and County of Denver, its officials, employees, departments, and agencies in lawsuits filed in Colorado state and federal courts. This includes defending civil rights, personal injury, and property damage claims. The Section works across all aspects of City operations—from infrastructure and public safety to arts, parks, and public health. In addition to managing a significant caseload, the team provides pre-litigation and risk management advice, drafts and reviews policies, and delivers training to reduce liability. Fellows actively participate in cases at all stages of litigation. Tasks may include client meetings, drafting pleadings and motions, attending court appearances, participating in settlement conferences, preparing witnesses, and conducting direct or cross-examination during hearings or trials in small claims or Denver County Court.

Denver International Airport – Legal

• DEN Legal serves as in-house counsel for Denver International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports. The team handles a wide range of legal matters, including landlord/tenant issues with concessionaires, FAA compliance, land use, construction and professional services agreements, airline contracts, technology agreements, cybersecurity, and accident response. While much of the work is transactional, Fellows may also gain exposure to litigation. Fellows conduct legal research, draft memos, assist with contract drafting, and attend client meetings. Opportunities may include observing depositions, hearings, and mediations. This is an excellent placement for those interested in in-house counsel roles.

Employment & Labor Law

• The Employment & Labor Law Section defends the City in employment-related litigation in state and federal courts, including claims of discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, and more. The team also handles administrative appeals, workers’ compensation claims, collective bargaining negotiations, and provides employment law advice and training to City managers and supervisors. Fellows observe a variety of legal proceedings and complete substantive work such as legal research and drafting motions under attorney guidance.

Human Services Legal Services (HSLS)

• The Human Services Legal Services Section supports the Denver Department of Human Services (DHS), which provides assistance, prevention, and protection programs for over one-third of Denver residents. DHS administers programs such as TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, child welfare, adult protection, and child support enforcement, while also managing City initiatives like Denver’s Road Home. Fellows assist with legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, and preparing for hearings. They may also observe court proceedings and work on matters involving child protection, adult protection, and public benefits law.

Municipal Operations

• The Municipal Operations Section provides legal services related to land use, zoning, real estate, parks, public works, taxation, contracts, construction, environmental law, and general municipal law. The team also handles commercial litigation, condemnations, administrative hearings, and Rule 106 appeals. Municipal Operations advises City Council, the Auditor, the City Clerk, the Mayor’s Office, and most City departments. Fellows assist with legal research, draft memoranda, motions, and contracts, and attend court hearings, administrative proceedings, and City Council meetings.

Prosecution and Code Enforcement (PACE)

• PACE offers exposure to the criminal justice system and municipal law. The team prosecutes violations of municipal ordinances and certain state misdemeanors, including traffic offenses and domestic violence cases. Fellows may also work on nuisance abatement cases involving properties or vehicles used in crimes, and administrative law matters related to excise, licensing, and marijuana regulation. Fellows may appear in court, gain trial experience, conduct legal research, and draft documents. Opportunities include observing hearings, depositions, and administrative proceedings.

Floating Fellow position

• The Floating Fellow rotates across few divisions of the Denver City Attorney’s Office. This position offers broad exposure to CAO’s operations.

What You’ll Bring

• Anticipated Graduation – Must be an anticipated graduate of the University of Colorado Law or University of Denver Law, Class of 2026.

• Commitment to Public Service – A strong desire to serve the City and County of Denver and support its residents through legal excellence.

• Solid Legal Foundation – Strong understanding of legal principles, research, and writing skills developed through law school coursework and experience.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to assess complex municipal and legal issues and propose practical, innovative solutions.

• Clear Communication – Professional writing and confident verbal communication for diverse audiences, including city officials and community stakeholders.

• Collaboration & Teamwork – Willingness to work across multiple sections of the City Attorney’s Office and partner with attorneys, staff, and city agencies.

• Adaptability & Initiative – Comfort navigating a dynamic, fast-paced environment and proactively contributing to projects.

• Ethical Judgment & Professionalism – Commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and high ethical standards in all work.

• Curiosity & Innovation – Openness to learning about municipal law and finding creative approaches to improve city operations and legal processes.

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must submit the following documents at the time of application. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

• College Transcripts – Official or unofficial

• Cover Letter – Include the area(s) of law you are most interested in and explain why you are interested in this position

• Legal Writing Sample

• Resume and References

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education requirement: Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree or Bachelor degree.

• Fellows need not be admitted to practice law if they have taken the bar exam and are eligible to practice with appropriate supervision. Fellow who don’t pass the bar exam may be terminated, or transferred to an intern classification or other applicable classification, at the discretion of and in accordance with the policies of the DCAO.

• Experience Requirement: None

• Education/Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted.

• License/Certifications: None

Application Deadline

This posting will accept applications until 11:59 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CL3228 Attorney Fellow

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here .

Position Type

Oncall

Position Salary Range

$23.89 - $35.84

Target Pay

$30/hour

Agency

City Attorney's Office

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact View email address on swooped.co with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.