Sr. Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

Douglas County, Colorado; Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 116,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas County, Colorado seeks a Senior Deputy District Attorney – Appeals to serve as appellate advocate and subject‑matter expert on high‑level criminal issues affecting the District across Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.

You will litigate before the Colorado Supreme Court and the Colorado Court of Appeals, oversee CCJRA/CORA matters, civil forfeiture, sealings and civil litigation, and mentor trial deputies while shaping Colorado jurisprudence.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Represent the People before the Colorado Supreme Court and the Colorado Court of Appeals on certiorari, original proceedings, and interlocutory appeals.
• Prosecute state‑initiated appeals and cross‑appeals involving pretrial, trial, and sentencing issues.
• Handle defense‑initiated misdemeanor appeals and state‑initiated suppression appeals across multiple counties.

Skills

Appellate experience

Legal advocacy

Oral & written advocacy

Leadership

Collaboration

Job description

Sr. Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular
Pay Range: $116,329.00 - 174,493.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Overtime Exempt: Y
Elected Office / Department: DISTRICT ATTORNEY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and mentorship
• Strong ethical judgment and legal acumen
• Excellent oral and written advocacy
• Organizational and case management skills
• Commitment to victim-centered, justice-driven prosecution

Work Environment

• Office and courtroom settings, with some travel for investigations, training, and community engagement.
• Frequent exposure to sensitive and graphic content related to criminal prosecution.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Closing Date: 9/25/2026 4:59PM MST. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.