Closing Date: 8th July, 2026

Description:

Department Information:
The Revenue & Regulatory Law (R&R) section of the Colorado Department of Law is seeking a dynamic and committed Assistant Attorney General to join the Marijuana, Liquor and Bankruptcy (“MLB”) Unit In this role, you will address a wide variety of interesting and complex legal issues of significant importance to the State of Colorado. The MLB Unit represents the Colorado Department of Revenue's Marijuana Enforcement Division, Natural Medicine Division, Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division and Firearms Dealer Division in licensing and disciplinary litigation.

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:
The MLB Unit is one of 10 units in the R&R section. The R&R section represents state regulatory agencies, including the Department of Revenue, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Local Affairs. R&R is the largest section in the Department of Law, comprised of approximately 125 team members who tackle a diverse array of legal challenges for nearly 100 state agencies, boards, commissions, and divisions.

What you will do:
The MLB Unit offers the opportunity to practice in cutting-edge and challenging areas of law representing the following Divisions of the Colorado Department of Revenue: Marijuana Enforcement, Natural Medicine, Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement, and Firearms Dealer. The MLB Unit is a dynamic and collaborative group as statutes and regulations governing regulated marijuana, natural medicine, liquor, tobacco retailers and firearm dealers change frequently.

This attorney will primarily handle administrative licensing actions from inception through administrative hearing, exceptions (administrative appeal) and judicial review, for the Marijuana, Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement, Natural Medicine and Firearm Dealer Divisions. Administrative licensing actions include denials of applications for a license required to operate a regulated liquor business, tobacco retailer, marijuana business, natural medicine business or firearm dealer and disciplinary actions based on alleged violations of the statutes and rules that govern these highly regulated businesses. Administrative cases range in complexity from relatively simple to complex. For example, the Marijuana and Liquor Enforcement Divisions may seek enforcement action based on underage sales of liquor, tobacco or marijuana, substantial security and public health violations, violations of mandatory marijuana testing requirements, licensee disqualification based on failure to pay taxes, or sophisticated corporate and financial schemes intended to allow unauthorized entities and individuals to control licensed businesses. The Natural Medicine and Firearm Dealer programs involve application denials, alleged violations of statutes and rules while licensed, or unlicensed operators acting outside the regulated industry. The attorney will also represent the divisions in state and federal courts as needed.

The attorney will be part of a team that represents the state in the matters described above but will be expected to take primary responsibility for the attorney's own cases, with increasing responsibilities over time.

The attorney's responsibilities may also include any of the following:

Independently handle litigation, negotiation, hearings, and exceptions (administrative appeal) of cases on behalf of clients represented by the Unit;
Litigate matters that require immediate action including license suspensions;
Seek injunction relief in Colorado District Courts to enforce the licensure requirements against unlicensed persons engaged in licensed activities; and
Provide training to DOL attorneys and/or client representatives and staff.

The attorneys on our team represent our clients' interests in a variety of settings, including licensure and disciplinary actions. The position is primarily an administrative law practice, as well as some practice in Colorado District Court and the Court of Appeals. Our work also involves advising clients in all aspects of their regulatory functions and responsibilities, including assisting with the promulgation of rules.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an attorney who is: 1) interested in litigation; 2) eager to work in a supportive multi-disciplinary team; and 3) motivated to do work that directly impacts the lives of Coloradans.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions in the Revenue & Regulatory Law section.

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). The salary range for an AAG I is $88,197 – $96,554 annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $102,099 – $136,468 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 admitted to the Colorado Bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. 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. (https://www.coloradolegalregulation.com/attorney-search/)

Candidates should have: 1) a litigation background; 2) a demonstrated ability to handle negotiations, litigation, and trials independently and effectively; 3) proficient client communication skills; and 4) excellent writing skills.

Essential skills for this position:

Ability to manage a significant caseload, including working closely with Unit paralegals
Comfort with and enjoyment in litigating cases and advising clients in a general counsel role
Excellent research, writing, and interpersonal skills
Ability to provide advice on complex matters
Committed and eager to serve the public
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Enthusiasm about working with a smart, collaborative, and fun team

This Position Requires at Least One Writing Sample. Please Review the "how to Apply" Section of The Job Announcement for More Information.

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants Must Pass a Thorough Background Investigation Prior to Appointment.
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.
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; 2) a Resume; 3) at Least One Writing Sample; and 4) Three Professional References. Use the "attachments" Feature of The Online Application to Add Documents.

Writing Samples Should Demonstrate Your Ability to Provide Sound Legal Advice to A Client. the Writing Samples Should Be Products that Were Created Solely by You. Please Include a Brief Description of The Issue/scenario Presented, Whether the Issue Was Time-Sensitive in Nature, and What (if Any) Feedback Was Received After the Advice Was Provided. in Selecting the Examples, You May Wish to Consider Providing Different Forms – for Example, Written Advice that Was Provided by Email, Advice that Was Provided in A More Formal Memorandum Format, Dispositive Motions or Responses, Legal Br