Closing Date: 24th February, 2026
Description:
Department Information:Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!
The Criminal Appeals section is seeking an intellectually curious attorney who thrives on researching and analyzing the law. This position requires exceptional writing ability; a passion for advocacy; and strong oral communication skills. While each of our attorneys is individually responsible for writing their own briefs, this is a collaborative team that regularly works together to resolve novel questions of law; discuss legislative proposals; and serve the people of Colorado. If you are looking for a challenging role that will allow you to grow with a great team, this position is for you!
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: https://coag.gov/.
Description of Job:
What you will do:
The Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado's prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant's claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.
This job announcement may be used to fill other attorney vacancies in the Criminal Appeals section at the Department of Law.
Salary note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range for an AAG I is $88,197-$117,964/annually.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). Effective July 1, 2025, the AAG II salary range is $102,099 - $136,558/annually.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:
What we are looking for:
In addition, we are looking for a candidate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney. This includes fellowship or clerkship experience. Candidates without one year of experience may be considered if their application demonstrates a strong background in research, writing, and oral advocacy.
This Position Requires Two Writing Samples. Please Review the "how to Apply" Section of The Job Announcement for More Information.
Conditions of Employment:
This Position Is Non-Classified and Is Not Subject to Appeal Rights.
Supplemental Information:
How to Apply:
Applicants Must Establish an Account with Governmentjobs.Com and Complete the Online Applications Including the Contact Information Section. Applicants Are Not Required to Complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information Sections of The Online Application.
Applicants Must Provide 1) a Cover Letter Detailing Your Interest in The Position and Relevant Skills/experience 2) a Resume; 3) Two Writing Samples, Preferably Ones that Are a Brief, Petition, or Longer Substantive Motion that Has Not Been Substantially Edited by Another Person; 4) Three Professional References. Use the "attachments" Feature of The Online Application to Add Documents.
The Department of Law Is Committed to The Full Inclusion of All Qualified Individuals. as Part of This Commitment, Our Agency Will Assist Individuals Who Have a Disability with Any Reasonable Accommodation Requests Related to Employment, Including Completing the Application Process, Interviewing, Completing Any Pre-Employment Testing, Participating in The Employee Selection Process, And/or to Perform Essential Job Functions Where the Requested Accommodation Does Not Impose an Undue Hardship. if You Have a Disability and Require Reasonable Accommodation to Ensure You Have a Positive Experience Applying or Interviewing for This Position, Please Direct Your Inquiries to Our Adaaa Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at Julie.Christopher@coag.Gov or Call 720-508-6511.
If You Have Any Questions Regarding This Position, Please Contact Our Legal Talent Director at Legal Talent Director@coag.Gov
The Criminal Appeals section is seeking an intellectually curious attorney who thrives on researching and analyzing the law. This position requires exceptional writing ability; a passion for advocacy; and strong oral communication skills. While each of our attorneys is individually responsible for writing their own briefs, this is a collaborative team that regularly works together to resolve novel questions of law; discuss legislative proposals; and serve the people of Colorado. If you are looking for a challenging role that will allow you to grow with a great team, this position is for you!
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: https://coag.gov/.
Description of Job:
What you will do:
The Criminal Appeals Section is Colorado's prosecutorial authority at the appellate level of the criminal justice system. Our primary function is to serve the people of Colorado, as well as the interests of justice, by ethically and efficiently defending felony convictions before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We do this by writing answer briefs and orally arguing cases, which range from relatively minor postconviction issues to complex white-collar crime, homicides, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Each attorney is individually responsible for reading the record, conducting legal research on all of the defendant's claims, and crafting responsive arguments to explain why a conviction or sentence should be affirmed. In addition to writing answer briefs and conducting oral argument, our attorneys often provide support to other sections in the office through moot court sessions, legislative review, and legal editing. Attorneys are also expected to interact with stakeholders, including local district attorneys, crime victims, and victim advocates on a regular basis.
This job announcement may be used to fill other attorney vacancies in the Criminal Appeals section at the Department of Law.
Salary note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range for an AAG I is $88,197-$117,964/annually.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). Effective July 1, 2025, the AAG II salary range is $102,099 - $136,558/annually.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:
What we are looking for:
- Qualified applicants must be licensed to practice law in Colorado or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment along with an estimate of the date by which they expect to be licensed in Colorado. Our ideal candidate for this position will have the following attributes or experience:
- Exceptional writing, research, and analytical abilities
- Strong oral communication skills
- Eagerness to solve complex legal problems
- An ability to manage an independent case load
- Developed collaborative skills and commitment to working as part of a team
In addition, we are looking for a candidate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney. This includes fellowship or clerkship experience. Candidates without one year of experience may be considered if their application demonstrates a strong background in research, writing, and oral advocacy.
This Position Requires Two Writing Samples. Please Review the "how to Apply" Section of The Job Announcement for More Information.
Conditions of Employment:
- Candidates Eligible to Waive Into the Colorado Bar Will Be Required to Submit Proof of Their Completed Application and Application for Practice Pending Admission Before the First Day of Employment. for More Information About Admission to The Colorado Bar Please, Review Information on The Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel Website.
- Applicants Must Pass a Thorough Background Investigation Prior to Appointment.
- This Position Offers Flexible Work Arrangements. Please Note that Flexible Work Arrangements May Change Based on Business Needs.
- Colorado Department of Law Participates in E-Verify and Will Provide the Federal Government with Your Form I-9 Information to Confirm that You Are Authorized to Work in The U.S.
This Position Is Non-Classified and Is Not Subject to Appeal Rights.
Supplemental Information:
How to Apply:
Applicants Must Establish an Account with Governmentjobs.Com and Complete the Online Applications Including the Contact Information Section. Applicants Are Not Required to Complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information Sections of The Online Application.
Applicants Must Provide 1) a Cover Letter Detailing Your Interest in The Position and Relevant Skills/experience 2) a Resume; 3) Two Writing Samples, Preferably Ones that Are a Brief, Petition, or Longer Substantive Motion that Has Not Been Substantially Edited by Another Person; 4) Three Professional References. Use the "attachments" Feature of The Online Application to Add Documents.
The Department of Law Is Committed to The Full Inclusion of All Qualified Individuals. as Part of This Commitment, Our Agency Will Assist Individuals Who Have a Disability with Any Reasonable Accommodation Requests Related to Employment, Including Completing the Application Process, Interviewing, Completing Any Pre-Employment Testing, Participating in The Employee Selection Process, And/or to Perform Essential Job Functions Where the Requested Accommodation Does Not Impose an Undue Hardship. if You Have a Disability and Require Reasonable Accommodation to Ensure You Have a Positive Experience Applying or Interviewing for This Position, Please Direct Your Inquiries to Our Adaaa Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at Julie.Christopher@coag.Gov or Call 720-508-6511.
If You Have Any Questions Regarding This Position, Please Contact Our Legal Talent Director at Legal Talent Director@coag.Gov
