Assistant Attorney General - Tort Litigation Unit

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 88,197 - 117,964; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans

Employer-paid life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Retirement plan with Colorado PERA

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The State of Colorado is seeking an experienced and driven Assistant Attorney General to join the Tort Litigation Unit in Denver. This position involves leading the defense for high-profile cases involving civil rights and employment law, and managing a full litigation docket.

Qualified applicants should have at least three years of civil litigation experience, a commitment to public service, and excellent legal strategy skills. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Colorado bar or eligible to waive into the bar and in good standing.
• At least three years of meaningful civil litigation experience in state and/or federal court.
• Experience with government defenses and employment-related claims.

Responsibilities

• Lead defense of high-profile cases involving civil rights and employment law.
• Manage full litigation docket from assessment through appeal.
• Serve as trusted advisor to state agencies on litigation strategy.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Courtroom experience

Government defenses knowledge

Strategic mindset

Commitment to public service

Education

Admitted to the Colorado bar

3+ years civil litigation experience

Job description

Job Summary

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

The Tort Litigation Unit in the Civil Litigation and Employment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office seeks an experienced, driven litigator to join our high-performing team. This is a rare opportunity to take a critical, lead role defending state agencies, institutions of higher education, and state employees in tort, personal injury, civil rights, and employment lawsuits, from inception through appeal.

Our team handles impactful and often high‑profile matters that shape public policy and protect the work of state government. We are looking for a confident, strategic attorney who brings strong courtroom experience, sound judgment, and a passion for public service. Equally important, we value engagement and teamwork. We strive for collaboration and take pride in delivering excellent results while maintaining a positive, team‑oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the defense of often high‑profile cases involving civil rights, personal injury claims, and employment law, including constitutional issues in federal and state court.
• Manage a full litigation docket, from early case assessment and dispositive motions through discovery, engagement of experts, trial, and appeal. Brief and argue appeals before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the State Office of Risk Management, state agencies, and institutions of higher education on litigation risk and strategy.
• Collaborate with a talented, mission‑driven group of litigators and general counsel across the Attorney General’s Office to deliver exceptional representation and results.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Colorado bar or eligible to waive into the bar and in good standing at the time of application.
• At least three years of meaningful civil litigation experience in state and/or federal court, with a demonstrated ability to manage cases and move them forward.
• Experience with or a strong interest in government‑specific defenses, including the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Eleventh Amendment immunity, qualified immunity, and absolute judicial immunity.
• Experience handling, or a strong interest in developing expertise in, employment‑related claims, including discrimination, retaliation, and related workplace issues.
• A strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategies in complex cases.
• A commitment to public service and to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in both client representation and workplace culture.

Salary

Assistant Attorney General I: $88,197‑$117,964 annually (effective July 1, 2025). Assistant Attorney General II: $102,099‑$136,558 annually (effective July 1, 2025). Salary will be set commensurate with qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Salary is paid biweekly.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave earned each month
• Retirement plan with Colorado PERA
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
• On‑site fitness center access
• Work‑life programs, including flexible schedules and professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program for mental health and counseling services
• Employer‑provided annual attorney registration dues
• Access to CLE and professional development training through external providers

Employment Conditions

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• This position offers flexible work arrangements that may change at any time based on business needs.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E‑Verify and will provide required immigration documentation for federal confirmation.
• Applicants eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar must submit proof of completed application and Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide a cover letter detailing interest and relevant experience, a resume, a writing sample, and three professional references.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES AT LEAST ONE WRITING SAMPLE. PLEASE REVIEW THE "HOW TO APPLY" SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.