Senior Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

Douglas County Government (CO); Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Job summary

The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado seeks a Senior Deputy District Attorney – Appeals to lead appellate litigation and serve as a subject-matter expert on high-level issues affecting Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.

You will argue before the Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, supervise trial deputies, and shape policy on CCJRA, CORA, civil forfeiture, sealing, and civil litigation, while delivering clear, persuasive briefs and oral arguments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of appellate experience or substantially related criminal litigation experience.
• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, appellate rules, the rules of criminal procedure, and the rules of evidence.
• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills with the ability to present complex legal issues clearly and persuasively.

Responsibilities

• Represent the People of the State of Colorado in the Colorado Supreme Court in certiorari matters, original proceedings under C.A.R. 21, and interlocutory appeals under C.A.R. 4.1.
• Prosecute state-initiated appeals and cross-appeals in the Colorado Court of Appeals involving pretrial, trial, and sentencing issues under C.A.R. 4 and 4.1.
• Handle defense-initiated misdemeanor appeals and state-initiated suppression appeals in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln County District Courts under Crim. P. 37 and 37.1.
• Provide legal guidance on motions, evidentiary matters, trial strategy, and post-conviction issues.

Skills

Appellate experience

Oral advocacy

Criminal law

Research/writing

Job description

The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Deputy District Attorney – Appeals to serve as an appellate advocate and subject-matter expert on high-level legal issues affecting the District. This senior role is central to shaping criminal jurisprudence in Colorado and ensuring the fair and consistent administration of justice throughout Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.

You will litigate complex matters before the Colorado Supreme Court, the Colorado Court of Appeals, and District Courts within the 23rd Judicial District. In addition, this position oversees several specialized legal areas critical to the Office’s operations, including CCJRA/CORA issues, civil forfeiture, sealings, and civil litigation.

This position is ideal for an attorney who thrives on sophisticated legal analysis, constitutional interpretation, mentoring trial deputies, and handling impactful appellate and civil matters.

Key Responsibilities

Appellate Litigation

• Represent the People of the State of Colorado in the Colorado Supreme Court in certiorari matters, original proceedings under C.A.R. 21, and interlocutory appeals under C.A.R. 4.1.
• Prosecute state-initiated appeals and cross-appeals in the Colorado Court of Appeals involving pretrial, trial, and sentencing issues under C.A.R. 4 and 4.1.
• Handle defense-initiated misdemeanor appeals and state-initiated suppression appeals in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln County District Courts under Crim. P. 37 and 37.1.

Specialized Legal Areas

• Advise on Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) and Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) matters, including litigation, compliance, and policy development.
• Oversee and litigate civil forfeiture cases, ensuring statutory compliance and ethical enforcement.
• Manage record sealing determinations and related motions, providing guidance on statutory interpretation and procedural requirements.
• Handle or coordinate civil litigation involving the District Attorney’s Office, including constitutional claims, subpoenas, writs, and other civil matters impacting operations.

Legal Research & Writing

• Conduct extensive research on complex and emerging criminal and constitutional issues.
• Draft appellate briefs, motions, legal memoranda, and respond to postconviction filings.
• Present oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Prepare responses and litigate postconviction matters, including Crim. P. 35(c) claims, clemency and pardon requests, and Forensic Science Integrity Act filings.

Support for Trial Deputies

• Provide legal guidance on motions, evidentiary matters, trial strategy, and post-conviction issues.
• Offer support in significant cases involving complex legal, instructional, or constitutional questions.

Policy, Strategy & Training

• Develop legal strategies involving evolving constitutional, statutory, and procedural issues.
• Assist with drafting proposed legislation and amendments to the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Serve as a legal expert and training resource for prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and partner agencies.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Minimum of 5 years of appellate experience or substantially related criminal litigation experience.
• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, appellate rules, the rules of criminal procedure, and the rules of evidence.
• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills with the ability to present complex legal issues clearly and persuasively.
• Capacity to fairly balance the interests of victims, the community, and defendants.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and rapid, well-reasoned courtroom and legal analysis.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, judges, defense counsel, law enforcement partners, and the public.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, professionalism, and the mission of the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database. Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision.