City Attorney Jobs

The City and County of Denver is seeking a City Attorney to lead and implement the Mayor’s Vision and Strategy for the City Attorney’s Office. The City Attorney is a member of the City and County of Denver’s executive body and is responsible for setting and operationalizing CCD’s broader vision, strategy, and goals to create a vibrant Denver.

The City Attorney’s Office serves as the legal adviser to the Mayor, City Council, City Auditor, City Clerk, Recorder and all City departments and agencies. Employing over 230 attorneys, paralegals, victim advocates, legal secretaries, and business operations professionals, the office handles a wide array of legal issues that impact the citizens of Denver and beyond. Our public law firm is the most diverse practice of any law firm in the state and together, we strive to be the best public law office in the country.

As the City Attorney you will set the strategic direction and vision and lead the fiscal and operational strategy of the City Attorney’s Office to drive high impact, equitable outcomes for the City and County of Denver.

We are committed to delivering exemplary services to citizens and drive business outcomes that best serve the public interest. A successful candidate will be someone who can generate innovative and nuanced solutions to complex challenges, provide strategic vision, anticipate challenges, and assess the effectiveness of our work.

Please note, all City and County of Denver Appointee positions will be in-person roles. We believe we can listen better, learn more, and act faster when we are able to build strong relationships in the same physical space. With this in mind, we do our work together in person. We value in-person interactions. Our office is not remote.

The salary range for this chartered position is $216,061 and is subject to City Council confirmation.

• 457B Retirement plan
• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
• 132 hours of PTO earned within first year + 13 Paid Holidays per year

• Legal Advice and Counsel: The City Attorney for the City of Denver is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, and various city departments. This includes interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and ordinances, and providing guidance on legal issues related to city operations and decision-making.

• Litigation and Legal Representation: The City Attorney is responsible for representing the City of Denver in legal proceedings, including civil litigation, administrative hearings, and appeals. This involves preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and presenting arguments on behalf of the city in court.

• Contract Review and Negotiation: The City Attorney oversees the review, negotiation, and drafting of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents entered into by the City of Denver. They ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws, protect the city's interests, and address any potential legal risks.

• Legislative Support: The City Attorney assists in the development and review of proposed legislation and ordinances, providing legal analysis and guidance to City Council members and staff. They help ensure that proposed laws are legally sound and consistent with existing regulations.

• Risk Management and Compliance: The City Attorney identifies potential legal risks and develops strategies to mitigate them. They work closely with city departments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and provide training and guidance on legal issues to city employees.

• Ethics and Conflict of Interest: The City Attorney plays a key role in promoting and enforcing ethical conduct within the city government. They provide guidance on ethical standards, review financial disclosures, and investigate and address conflicts of interest or other ethical violations.

• Legal Research and Policy Development: The City Attorney conducts legal research on a wide range of issues impacting the city, including emerging legal trends and case law. They assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with changing legal requirements and best practices.

We are looking for candidates that demonstrate experience in the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Legal Expertise: Strong knowledge of municipal law, constitutional law, administrative law, and other relevant areas of law is essential. The candidate should possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and have a license to practice law in the state of Colorado.

• Litigation and Trial Skills: Demonstrated experience and proficiency in litigation and trial advocacy is important, as the City Attorney may be responsible for representing the city in legal proceedings. Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are crucial for effective representation.

• Legal Counseling and Advising: The candidate should have the ability to provide sound legal advice and counsel to city officials and departments. This includes the ability to analyze complex legal issues, communicate legal concepts clearly, and provide practical guidance for decision-making.

• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: The City Attorney should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess legal risks, develop effective strategies, and propose solutions to complex legal issues and challenges faced by the city.

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are vital for effectively interacting with city officials, staff, external stakeholders, and the public. The candidate should be able to convey legal concepts and information in a clear and understandable manner.

• Leadership and Collaboration: The City Attorney should be a strong leader with the ability to manage a legal team effectively. They should also be skilled in building relationships and collaborating with city departments, community organizations, and external legal counsel when necessary.

• Ethical Standards and Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining integrity in the practice of law is crucial. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability within the city government.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Municipal law and the needs of the city may change over time. The City Attorney should be adaptable and open to learning new areas of law, adjusting legal strategies, and staying informed about emerging legal issues and trends.

• Public Service Orientation: The candidate should have a strong commitment to public service and a genuine desire to serve the community's best interests. They should demonstrate an understanding of the role of the City Attorney in supporting the city's mission and goals.

• Cultural Competency and Equity Awareness: Given Denver's diverse community, the candidate should possess cultural competency and awareness of equity issues. They should be able to develop communication strategies that resonate with diverse populations, promote inclusivity, and address equity considerations in messaging and engagement efforts.

• Resume

• Cover letter answering the following prompt: In less than two pages, please answer the following questions: What is your vision for this role? What do you see as the imperative goals for the 100 days, and for the first year? Who do you see as the critical partners you will need to accomplish those goals? How will you measure and track success?

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