VHBE Deputy Public Defender

City of Aurora, CO; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 118,171,000 - 147,712,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

Job summary

City of Aurora, CO invites qualified attorneys to join the Public Defender's Office in the Aurora Municipal Court. This role provides legal representation to indigent defendants facing municipal ordinance violations and supports the mission of delivering complete, quality defense within a fair, ethical framework.

Under the Chief Public Defender, you will examine evidence, prepare and present cases, counsel clients on rights and responsibilities, handle trials and appeals, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado.
• Participation in a clinical trial program held in conjunction with law school.
• Must have no grievances resolved against them by any state Attorney regulation board.
• Must have trials experience or trial practice class.

Responsibilities

• Represents indigent defendants in cases brought before the municipal court charged with municipal ordinance violations.
• Examines evidence, reviews, prepares, and presents cases.
• Counsels clients on legal rights and responsibilities.
• Initiates and defends appeals in appellate courts, when appropriate.
• Works on numerous trials and hearings, client interviews, motions, and/or appeals.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Oral communication

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

JOB LOCATION14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563City of Aurora, ColoradoIt is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.Why Work for Aurora?Make a difference in the lives of real people every dayDiverse communityCompetitive total compensation packageWell-Funded General Employees Retirement PlanLight rail station minutes awayOn-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancementAccess to innovation workspacesPRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESSalary to be commensurate with experienceThe hiring range for this position is $41.24 - $51.55/hourlyThis job posting will close Tuesday, September 15, 2026This is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), where the selected candidate can work up to 40 hours per week. The selected candidate will be eligible to elect Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, accrue paid time off, and receive 11 paid holidays.OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENTThe Mission of the Public Defender's Office is to provide complete, quality legal representation to indigent defendants who are faced with a possible jail sentence and are charged with a municipal ordinance violation in the Aurora Municipal Court. The Public Defender's Office is governed by the Public Defender Commission, which ensures that indigent clients are represented in accordance with its strict guidelines.Under the direction of the Chief Public defender, provides professional legal counsel to and defends indigent clients in cases brought before the Municipal Court.PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESRepresents indigent defendants in cases brought before the municipal court charged with municipal ordinance violations in the Aurora Municipal CourtExamines evidence, reviews, prepares, and presents cases.Counsels’ clients on legal rights and responsibilitiesInitiates and defends appeals in appellate courts, when appropriateWorks on numerous trials and hearings, client interviews, motions, and/or appealsWorks with court staff to see that cases are handled in an efficient and timely manner.Follows established court procedures.Performs additional duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender or Chief Deputy Public DefenderMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONSAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Education:Have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado.Experience:Participation in a clinical trial program held in conjunction with law school.Must have no grievances resolved against them by any state Attorney regulation board.Must have trials experience or trial practice class.Knowledge:Demonstrated knowledge of the principalsPractices and procedures related to criminal courtroom proceedings.Case preparation and presentationApplication of laws of the State of Colorado and ordinances of the City of Aurora, legal terminologyTrial practice and tacticsAppellate proceduresAbilities:Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and City officials.Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.Work independently.Make oral presentations.Skills:Strong interpersonal, analytical, and decision-making skillsLicenses and/or Certificates Required:A current license to practice law in the State of ColoradoWORKING CONDITIONS:Physical Demands:Sedentary physical work requiring ability to live a maximum of 10 pounds.Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing.Eye/hand coordination to operate computer system.Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.Work Environment:Works primarily in clean, comfortable environmentDaily work in a courtroom environmentEquipment Used:Frequently uses standard office equipment including typewriters, computers, calculators, and copy/fax machines.This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.