ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY I - DHS

Mesa County, CO

Saint George (UT)

On-site

USD 84,000 - 96,000

Full time

10 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Life insurance

Long term disability

Job summary

The Mesa County Attorney's Office seeks an entry-level Assistant County Attorney to provide legal services to the Department of Human Services in dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, and adult protection matters. Under close supervision, you will draft pleadings, perform research, appear in court, and advise DHS staff on legal strategy.

Responsibilities include preparing cases for hearings, presenting evidence, assisting with training of DHS caseworkers, and collaborating with

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate and 0-2 years of legal experience, a preference for litigation.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado, in good standing; current Colorado license required.
No post-bar attorney experience required; internships, clinics, or clerkships welcome.
Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; ability to learn quickly and manage a high-volume docket under supervision.

Responsibilities

Represent the Department in dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions, pleadings, appeals, and litigating hearings and trials.
Assist in representation for adult protection, mental health commitments, and administrative matters as assigned.
Draft, file, and argue routine motions; conduct legal research; prepare witnesses and exhibits; present evidence at hearings.
Provide daily legal guidance to DHS staff on case strategy, subpoenas, discovery, and procedures.
Train and collaborate with DHS caseworkers on procedures and prepare cases for filing and prosecution.
Communicate effectively with DHS, court personnel, opposing counsel, and other professionals in writing and orally.
Maintain professional competence through continuing legal education and trainings.
Assist the County Attorney and Chief Deputy with assignments and special projects.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Docket management

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

$7,527.98 - $8,597.98

The Assistant County Attorney provides entry-level legal services to the Department of Human Services in matters involving dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, and related administrative issues. Under close supervision, the attorney assists with case preparation, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings and motions, appears in court on routine matters, and partners with caseworkers and agency staff to support effective and timely case outcomes that protect public safety and promote child and family well-being. Provide legal services to the Mesa County Department of Human Services in dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, and administrative matters. Draft and respond to motions, research legal issues, analyze cases, prepare cases for hearing, and present evidence including witness testimony at hearings and trials. Help with training and partner with DHS caseworkers and provide daily legal advice to DHS. Assist with appellate briefing to higher courts as assigned. Other assigned duties may include providing legal services to County departments and the Board of Commissioners, including research, litigation, policy review, and general legal advice.

Under supervision, represent the Department in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions and pleadings, preparing for and litigating hearings and trials, and handling appeals as assigned. Provide representation in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions, pleadings, appeals, and litigating hearings and trials.
Assist in representation for adult protection, mental health commitments, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters as assigned. Provide representation in adult protection, mental health commitment, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters as assigned
Draft, file, and argue routine motions; conduct legal research and analysis; prepare witnesses and exhibits; and present evidence at hearings appropriate to experience level. Draft and respond to motions, research legal issues, prepare cases for hearing, and present evidence including witness testimony at hearings.
Provide timely legal guidance to agency staff regarding case strategy, subpoenas, discovery, and compliance with applicable procedures. Advise County staff on process and procedures relating to subpoenas and discovery requests.Provide legal advice to DHS on a daily basis.
Participate in training and collaboration with caseworkers on the Children’s Code and related procedures, and assist in preparing cases for filing and prosecution. Help with training DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code, prepare cases for filing, and prosecute dependency and neglect cases including preparing witnesses, exhibits, and presenting cases to court.
Communicate effectively with agency staff, court personnel, opposing counsel, and other professionals in writing and orally. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, co-workers and other professionals.
Maintain professional competence through ongoing continuing legal education and internal training. Maintain professional competence by attending continuing legal education trainings.
Assist the County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys with assignments and special projects and perform other related duties as assigned. Assist County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys as assigned and perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Juris Doctorate and 0-2 years of legal experience, a preference for litigation experience.
Licensure/Eligibility: Licensed to practice law in Colorado, and in good standing. Current Colorado License to Practice Law is required.
Experience: No prior post‑bar attorney experience required; relevant internships, clinics, or clerkships are welcome.
Skills: Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; ability to learn quickly, manage a high‑volume docket with supervision, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work successfully with caseworkers, the public, and members of the child welfare team

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework, clinic, internship, or clerkship experience in juvenile law, family law, government, or litigation.
Moot court, mock trial, or trial practice experience.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to client communities.
Demonstrated commitment to public service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Foundational knowledge of evidence, civil procedure, and administrative process, with willingness to develop subject‑matter expertise in the Children’s Code and related areas. Training of DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code and related procedures is part of the role
Ability to draft clear motions and pleadings, conduct legal research, and present arguments under supervision. Duties include drafting and responding to motions and researching legal issues
Strong interpersonal communication and professionalism with courts, counsel, and agency staff. Effective oral and written communication with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, and other professionals is required
Organizational skills to manage deadlines across a high‑volume docket and adapt to changing priorities.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing legal education. Maintain professional competence by attending continuing legal education trainings

Working Conditions

This position is based in a professional office and courtroom environment with regular in‑person court appearances, meetings, and deadlines. Work is primarily in a typical office and courtroom environment.

Physical Requirements

The role may require periods of standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds. May require standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment and relevant experience with prior agencies.
A merit system that rewards or penalizes employees for exceptional or below standard job performance.
Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to or impact the efficiency of the work in questions.

This position is eligible for the following Mesa County benefits;