Senior Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

El Paso County, Colorado; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County seeks a Senior Deputy District Attorney to lead the Appellate Unit, oversee policy and procedure changes, and coordinate with prosecutors and law enforcement. You will monitor cases, advise on appellate issues, and train staff attorneys and peace officers.

The role demands in-depth Colorado criminal law knowledge, appellate research skills, and proven leadership. Strong communication, ethics, and courtroom advocacy are essential.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to and in good standing with the Colorado Bar.
• Five years of felony-level prosecutorial experience and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Appellate Unit, including training, planning, and evaluating staff.
• Mentors deputies, develops performance plans, and handles personnel issues.
• Plans, directs, and communicates policy and procedures across divisions.

Skills

Criminal appellate law

Appellate research

Leadership

Staff training

Legal writing

Court communications

Team management

Ethics standards

Public speaking

Policy development

Education

Juris Doctorate

Colorado Bar admission

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Job description

Need help with applying? Visit our Talent Acquisition pageherefor application guidance and resources.

For the 4th Judicial District's postings, please visit here for more information.

VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

VALUES

Service Focused • Collaborative • Accountable • Trustworthy • Transparent

Job Summary

The job posting close date has been extended from November 7, 2026 to November 11, 2026.

The Senior Deputy District Attorney plans, organizes, and directs the operations and day-to-day activities of the Office. Responsible for changes in policy and procedure affecting division and departmental operations. Reviews relevant appellate issues or complex legal issues affecting the 4^th Judicial District and communicates with prosecutors and/or the District Attorney directly. Monitors and tracks cases and dockets in which appellate matters of the District Attorney are placed. Discusses and reviews cases with prosecutors, advising and conferring with law enforcement personnel when required; responsible for training staff attorneys and peace officers

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Manages a team of Deputy District Attorneys in the Appellate Unit. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, and rewarding and disciplining employees. Will also be responsible for addressing complaints and finding effective and timely solutions to problems.
• Mentors, motivates, and trains all division deputies assigned to the team; develops and strengthens the skill level of newer attorneys; manages personnel issues with the assistance and direction of the Chief DDA, ADA, and/or Chief Operating Officer. Conducts performance evaluations for assigned staff; develops performance plans, when necessary, to correct and strengthen performance.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the units in the Office. Meets regularly with team members to strategize on best practices; develops efficiencies and encourages open communication amongst team members.
• Defines and develops procedures for appeals and post conviction matters handled by the office cases, ensuring the implementation of appropriate standards, policies, and guides within the appellate unit; routinely reviews policies and procedures. Ensures that procedures are reviewed, updated, and implemented to accommodate new legislation; procedures and policies will be enforced consistently amongst all staff.
• Creates and maintains working relationships with courts, appellate courts, and court reporters; develops contacts with the trial court and appellate courts and communicates in a courteous and professional manner.
• Coordinates with the Chief Deputy District Attorney regarding training needs and ensures there is proper and ongoing training for attorneys. Encourages all team members to attend and participate in training opportunities.
• Performs legal research, drafts and reviews appellate and post conviction briefs in a timely manner.
• Responds to public and media inquiries concerning the operation of the Office. Keeps the Chief Communications Officer informed of all stages in high-profile or media interest cases.
• Assists the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney in hiring Deputy District Attorneys.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification requires managing and monitoring work performance of assigned staff, including making final recommendations on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed. This classification may occasionally require director-level or above supervision in cases of absence.

Supervision Received: Receives minimal direction. This classification typically performs job duties with broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices. End results determine the effectiveness of job performance.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Colorado criminal law; working knowledge of the rules, regulations, and protocols of the various divisions of the District and County courts.
• Knowledge of principles of constitutional law, substantive criminal law, and procedural criminal law.
• Knowledge of relevant laws pertaining to appellate research and writing.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to listen and consider diverse viewpoints.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, one on one and in small and large group settings.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal employees, external law enforcement agencies, and government officials.
• Demonstrated adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Ability to successfully conduct criminal trials.
• Ability to present and effectively argue legal and factual issues to courts.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal opinions, professional journals, and legal statutes. Ability to write and respond to opinions, legal motions, legal briefs, and general correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to, and respond to questions from, judges, jurors, defense counsel, witnesses, victims, law enforcement, and the public. Must speak, read, and write in English fluently, secondary language beneficial.
• Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment with established guidelines.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up assignments with an appropriate level of direction.
• Ability to apply logical thinking to solve complicated problems or accomplish complex tasks.
• Ability to direct, review, and objectively evaluate the work of staff.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Ability to identify and define issues, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, including researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Proficient use of technology to include computers, software applications, and audio and video presentations.

Required Education & Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to and a member in good standing with the Colorado Bar.
• Five years of experience as a felony-level prosecutor, and demonstrated leadership abilities; and
• Must meet all the benchmarks for DDA I, II, III, and IV.
• Must adhere to ethical and professional standards.

Licenses/Certificates

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

Work Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job-related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.