Senior Assistant City Attorney (Child Welfare and Youth Services)

About the role

The Denver City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law firms in Colorado, with over 230 attorneys and staff members. It serves as in-house counsel to Denver Human Services (DHS), an agency that supports one in every three Denver residents.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal consultation and representation to Denver Human Services social workers, administrators, and staff throughout all stages of Dependency and Neglect litigation in state trial and appellate courts.
• Prepare and support social workers involved in Juvenile Delinquency proceedings, including appearances in Denver Juvenile Court and other Colorado District Courts; drafting motions and pleadings; conducting discovery; representing the City in hearings; and handling associated appellate briefing and oral argument.
• Regularly appear in state courts, including Denver Juvenile Court, advocating on behalf of Denver Human Services in juvenile law matters.
• Participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary meetings and work closely with interdisciplinary partners and stakeholders to inform critical decisions and develop effective recommendations impacting the treatment, placement, and support of families, children, and youth.
• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements and other legal documents essential to case resolution.
• Draft high-quality memoranda, motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents for judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and provide thoughtful analysis, guidance, feedback, and legal advice to colleagues and Denver Human Services personnel.
• Apply advanced knowledge and experience in Juvenile Law to support, guide, and strengthen Denver Human Services' mission and legal objectives.
• Aid attorneys working in specialized practice areas by supporting litigation, legal research, and related legal activities.
• Serve as a lead attorney when assigned, providing case leadership, coordination, mentorship, coaching, and professional development support to junior attorneys.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and effectiveness of the Human Services Legal Services Section.

Requirements

• Education requirement: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree or Bachelor of Laws degree.
• Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of experience as an attorney at law.
• Licenses and certifications: Possession of a license to practice law in Colorado from the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire or a reasonable expectation of becoming licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire in accordance with C.R.C.P. 203.2, 203.3, 203.4 and 205.6.

Qualifications

• Robust experience handling Dependency and Neglect cases.
• Deep expertise in juvenile law.
• Strong litigation skills and confidence in the courtroom.
• Appellate experience in juvenile matters.
• Experience advising agencies on regulations, policies, and operational procedures.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive issues.
• Meditation experience and/or a mediation certificate.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or guiding less-experienced attorneys.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and collaborative skill.
• A clear commitment to public service and community impact.
• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience working in youth-focused programs or services.
• Background experience with neighborhood-based or restorative justice programs.
• Experience with programs affiliated with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

Skills

• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to handle complex, sensitive issues.
• Experience with juvenile law and court procedures.
• Experience with mediation and negotiation.

Benefits

The City and County of Denver offers competitive pay commensurate with education and experience. New hires are typically brought into the organization between $131,770 - $177,890/annually, based on experience and education. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service.
• 457B Retirement Plan.
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year.
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date.

Pay

The target pay range for this position is $131,770 - $177,890/annually, based on experience and education.

Schedule

The City and County of Denver supports a hybrid workplace model. Employees work where needed, at a job site several days a week and off-site as needed. In this position you can expect to work 3 days/week at the Richard T. Castro Building at 1200 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO. Employee parking at the building is free. Employees must work within the state of Colorado on their off-site days.