Senior Assistant Attorney General/Assistant Attorney General - Employment Law Defense Unit.

The Colorado Department of Law's Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section is launching a new Employment Law Defense Unit and seeks an experienced employment litigator to join its founding team as an Employment Litigation Specialist. This position combines hands-on litigation, strategic case leadership, client counseling, mentoring, and practice development in state and federal employment matters.

About the Office

The Office of the Attorney General is the “People’s Lawyer,” serving Colorado and its people by advancing the rule of law, protecting democracy, and promoting justice for all. Led by Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Department of Law is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, driving principled and innovative public service.

About the Section and Unit

The Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section represents state agencies, institutions of higher education, and public employees in civil litigation and employment matters. The newly created Employment Law Defense Unit will centralize strategy and accountability for defending employment litigation, collaborating with other specialized units. The Unit’s work includes claims under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, whistleblower statutes, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981/1983/1985, and related theories.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel in complex employment cases, handling all phases of litigation, including pre-suit assessment, discovery, motions, trial, appeal, and settlement.
• Defend claims under federal/state employment statutes and related contract, constitutional, and tort theories.
• Develop litigation plans, risk analyses, and client-communication strategies for high-risk or high-profile matters.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on litigation risk, settlement, and institutional impact.
• Lead litigation teams, establish roles/strategies, and mentor attorneys and staff.
• Collaborate with other units to develop templates, training, and resources for consistent, high-quality practice.
• Partner with preventive counsel to improve employment practices based on litigation insights.

Requirements

• Admitted to the Colorado Bar (or eligible for waiver) and in good standing.
• Three+ years of employment litigation experience in state/federal court.
• Experience independently developing litigation strategy and handling discovery, motions, settlement, or trial.
• Strong legal analysis, writing, advocacy, negotiation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• First-chair experience in complex employment or civil litigation.
• Experience representing governmental entities or public employees.
• Knowledge of public-sector employment, governmental immunity, or state personnel systems.
• Experience managing litigation portfolios and communicating with senior stakeholders.
• Commitment to mentoring, team leadership, and inclusive work environments.

For the Senior Assistant Attorney General role, 10+ years of relevant experience as a recognized subject-matter expert is required.

Pay

Salary is set under a wage progression model based on qualifications and experience:

• Senior Assistant Attorney General: $112,564–$150,556/year (10+ years of experience).
• Assistant Attorney General II: $102,099–$136,468/year (3+ years of experience).
• Assistant Attorney General I: $89,964–$119,047/year (less than 3 years of experience).

Pay is biweekly. This recruitment may fill multiple positions.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass a thorough background investigation.
• E-Verify participation (U.S. work authorization required).
• Flexible work arrangements available (subject to business needs).
• Non-classified position (no appeal rights).