Assistant Attorney General - Public Safety Unit

Overview

Assistant Attorney General - Public Safety Unit

The Department of Law/Office of the Attorney General (DOL), Civil Litigation and Employment Section has a unique opportunity for an experienced attorney to serve as trusted counsel to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) and its divisions, including the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Division of Criminal Justice, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, as well as CDPS boards, commissions, and offices (Public Safety Agencies).

This position offers a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of law, public safety, and policy, providing both day-to-day legal guidance and litigation support on matters that directly affect the safety and well-being of Coloradans. The attorney in this role will serve as a key legal advisor to CDPS executive leadership and staff on complex, fast-moving, and often high-profile issues.

The role combines general counsel responsibilities with meaningful litigation work, and is well suited for attorneys who enjoy variety, intellectual challenge, and a strong sense of mission. Former prosecutors, current prosecutors seeking a new professional chapter, and attorneys with civil litigation or general counsel experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is ideal for an attorney who thrives when independently navigating new and unfamiliar legal issues, while also collaborating closely with a team of committed, highly skilled public servants.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

This position supports an incredibly important public mission. The attorneys and client agencies are deeply committed to public safety, integrity, and service to Colorado communities. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact, work alongside dedicated professionals, and contribute to decisions that matter—every single day.

WHO WE ARE

The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer.” The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.”

Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. Visit our website to learn more: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The Civil Litigation and Employment Section, Public Safety Unit provides general counsel services and legal representation to CDPS. This role is primarily focused on serving as general counsel to CDPS and its divisions, with a significant secondary component involving litigation and litigation support in both civil and criminal matters.

The legal work is wide-ranging and intellectually engaging, frequently involving issues of statewide importance, emerging legal questions, and matters that require sound judgment under time-sensitive conditions. CDPS litigation often includes civil rights claims, judicial review of agency action, subpoenas duces tecum, public records and criminal justice records matters, and complex discovery issues.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as general counsel to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) and its divisions, advising leadership and staff on day-to-day legal issues affecting law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management, fire prevention, and homeland security operations
• Provide legal guidance to CDPS agencies, boards, and commissions on public safety policy, statutory authority, legislative mandates, subpoenas, and open records requests
• Advise on cutting-edge law enforcement and public safety matters, drawing on sound legal judgment and an understanding of operational realities
• Litigate and support litigation on behalf of CDPS in administrative proceedings and state and federal courts, including civil rights cases, judicial review of agency action, and defense of subpoenas duces tecum
• Represent CDPS divisions in criminal…