Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Appeals

Colorado AG; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado AG is seeking an intellectually curious attorney to join the Criminal Appeals Section in Denver. You will research law, draft briefs, and orally advocate to uphold felony convictions before Colorado’s appellate courts, reading the record and performing rigorous legal analysis.

You must be admitted to the Colorado Bar (or eligible to waive) and have at least one year of experience; exceptional writing and advocacy are essential.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Colorado Bar or eligible to waive into the Bar.
• At least one year of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Strong writing, research, and oral advocacy abilities.

Responsibilities

• Write answer briefs and argue cases before appellate courts.
• Read records, perform legal research, and craft responsive arguments.
• Provide support through moot court, legislative review, and editing.
• Interact with stakeholders including district attorneys and victims.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Case management

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Colorado Bar admission or eligible

Job description

Assistant Attorney General – Criminal Appeals

Details

Section: Criminal Appeals Position Number: LAA-09309 Salary Range: $89,964.00 -$136,468.00 Yearly Apply By: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11:59 pm FLSA: Exempt

Work Unit: Criminal Appeals Job Location: 1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 Release Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Employment Type: Full-Time Position Type: Non-Classified

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Criminal Appeals Section is seeking an intellectually curious attorney who thrives on researching and analyzing the law. This position requires exceptional writing ability; a passion for advocacy; and strong oral communication skills. While each of our attorneys is individually responsible for writing their own briefs, this is a collaborative team that regularly works together to resolve novel questions of law; discuss legislative proposals; and serve the people of Colorado. If you are looking for a challenging role that will allow you to grow with a great team, this position is for you!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado’s prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant’s claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the Criminal Appeals Section at the Department of Law.

Salary note:The Department of Law uses an attorney 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). The salary range for an AAG I is $89,964-$119,047/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The salary range for an AAG II 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 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. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel .

Our ideal candidate for this position will have the following attributes or experience:

• Exceptional writing, research, and analytical abilities
• Eagerness to solve complex legal problems
• An ability to manage an independent case load
• Developed collaborative skills and commitment to working as part of a team

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney. This includes fellowship or clerkship experience. Candidates without one year of experience may be considered if their application demonstrates a strong background in research, writing, and oral advocacy.

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 offers flexible work arrangements. Flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.