Closing Date: 25th September, 2026
Description:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The job details outlined in this posting may represent a modified summary of the full job description. For a full copy of the job description CLICK HERE (http://governmentjobs.com/careers/douglasco/classspecs) to view our job classifications.